HAMPDEN PARK: Craig Gordon has not been included in Scotland’s Euro 2024 squad, manager Steve Clarke announced after Friday’s draw with Finland, with the goalkeeper becoming the country’s oldest international player.
Gordon, 41, came on as a substitute for Angus Gunn in the 2-2 draw at Hampden Park in the 2-0 win over Scotland, beating David Weir’s record of 40 with 116 appearances in 2010.
The Hearts goalkeeper suffered a serious leg injury at the end of 2022 and did not return to action until January this year.
“I’m not going to take four wickets. It’s a tough decision to make when you think about Craig coming back from injury,” Clarke told reporters.
“I’ve just come back and feel he’s never been up at Hearts again, he’s only played seven games since December 2022, which is a long time.”
The decision was announced on Thursday night, but he took his place on the bench on Friday, making his 75th appearance for Scotland.
“But the man’s mark is here tonight, because at the end of the conversation I said, ‘Listen, I understand you don’t like me and you don’t want to do this, but I want to and I’ll give you my 75th stamp tomorrow at Hampden.’
Rangers defender John Souttar was another player to miss out on his name in the provisional squad.
Ben Doak and Lyndon Dyke have been replaced through injury, with Tommy Conway and Lewis Morgan both coming off the bench against Finland to retain their places in the final squad for Germany.
Scotland will play host to Germany in their Euro 2024 opener on June 14, before taking on Switzerland and Hungary in Group A as they look to reach the knockout stages for the first time.
SCOTLAND SQUAD FOR EURO 2024
Defenders: Liam Cooper (Leeds United), Grant Hanley (Norwich), Jack Hendry (Al-Ettifaq), Ross McCorry (Bristol City), Scott McKenna (Copenhagen), Ryan Porteous (Watford), Anthony Ralston (Celtic).
Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong (Southampton), Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Billy Gilmour (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ryan Jack (Rangers), Kenny McLean (Norwich), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Callum McGregor (Celtic), Scott McTominay (Manchester United)
