BBC NEWS: Roberto Martinez’s comments about Craig Gordon, the ‘incredible’ Hearts goalkeeper, have slowed Portugal’s progress.

Craig Gordon believed his international career was ended. However, after battling his way back to becoming Hearts’ number one, he has also returned to goalkeeping for his nation.

At the age of 41, the goalkeeper was spurned by Steve Clarke for Euro 2024 and made his last appearance at Hampden in a friendly against Finland.

Gordon had spent the previous season as an understudy to Zander Clark at the club level, which made his decision reasonable. However, his colleague international suffered an injury this season, and the veteran campaigner now leads the way for both the Jambos and the national squad.

He has subsequently seized his moment on the world stage. Called up for a double-header against Croatia and Poland, he was slated to play backup until Angus Gunn became injured.

Gordon, the Hearts goalkeeper, impresses in Scotland’s draw with Portugal.

The draw versus Portugal was the first point earned in the Nations League, and it was a commendable effort against the top seeds.

Gordon contributed significantly on his 77th cap, making many saves, including a late one to deny Bruno Fernandes.

And visiting manager Roberto Martinez praised the team’s “incredible” performance.

He stated (Abola): “The opponent likewise played, and after 60 minutes, they stayed in a low block. The essential thing is that we have enough energy to defend. The danger in these games is believing you have control, only to be caught off guard by counterattacks. We maintained the goal at zero, controlled it, but lacked the last pass and magic within the area.

“Their goalie was great; he missed the goal, but the performance was excellent; we now have more players, which increases competition for slots. It was a favorable result, with a victory and a tie.

“We lost a game that we might have lost to Georgia. There are few teams that do not lose. My role is to investigate new concepts. The performances determine the results. The demands are high. And now we’ve earned the win.”

Gordon is still performing strong for Hearts and Scotland aged 41.

Questions have been raised over whether the 41-year-old should still be playing for his club, much alone his nation, at that age. But he responded to them.

Gordon has been the starting goalkeeper for Hearts for the past ten games, despite facing competition from Clark.

Rangers’ other goaltender from the Euros, Liam Kelly, is also on the bench. With few choices, the experienced goalie should be considered. He demonstrated as much last night.

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