The Celtic and national keeper backed team-mate Callum McGregor to shine after his late call-up saw him join Hibs’ John McGinn – another of the stars in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Parkhead – in Gordon Strachan’s squad for qualifiers against Slovakia and Slovenia.
Gordon, set to win his 50th cap against the Slovaks on Thursday to enter the Hall of Fame, told the Tartan Army to keep the faith, despite the loss of injured skipper Scott Brown, midfield star Stuart Armstrong and winger Matt Ritchie.
McGinn and McGregor – contenders to replace the Hoops duo in the starting line-up – both scored doubles in the thrilling draw on Saturday and Gordon backed his team-mate to shine after his late call-up.
He said: “Callum’s finishes against Hibs were brilliant – he was so calm to stick them away. Every time he is called upon he is so reliable.
“He’s a really good footballer and never complains, even if he doesn’t start every game.
“If he’s coming off the bench, he scores goals and creates.
“He is a great boy to have in the squad.”
While McGregor could be a straight swap for Armstrong, Gordon believes McGinn could have also staked a claim to stand in for skipper Brown.
He said: “John was good against us. He’s not too dissimilar to Broony, although he plays a wee bit further forward and carries a bit more of a goal threat.
“In terms of breaking up play and getting the team moving in the wrong direction, they are alike.
“There are not too many players that play the game like that. We’re not blessed with combative midfielder so he’s given himself a good shot at coming in for Scott.”