Scotland history maker Craig Gordon breaks silence on Euro 2024 snub as Hearts keeper pens emotional statement

Andrew Robertson of Scotland interacts with teammate Craig Gordon after the international friendly with Finland | Getty Images

Craig Gordon has posted a lengthy heartfelt message on social media after speaking out for the first time since being excluded from the 26-man Scotland squad for Euro 2024.

The veteran Hearts goalkeeper was informed by head coach Steve Clarke that he won’t be going on the plane to Germany on Sunday, with Angus Gunn, Gordon’s Tynecastle teammate Zander Clark and Liam Kelly selected as his three stoppers for the tournament.

Gordon was named on the bench for Friday night's 2-2 friendly draw with Finland at Hampden Park, but received a great reception as he made a substitute appearance which saw him become the oldest player to feature for the national team at the age of 41, overtaking David Weir.

His farewell cameo was ruined after the Scots let a two-goal lead slip through their fingers at the national stadium as Benjamin Kallman’s header and Oliver Antman late spot-kick earned the Scandinavians a share of the spoils. Clarke’s squad were still given a special send off by the Tartan Army, but Gordon was cut from the provisional squad along with Rangers defender John Souttar after the game.

And while struggling to hide his devastation at missing out on the trip to Germany, he attempted to put things in perspective just over 18 months after suffering a horror double leg break. He outlined the four targets he set himself in an emotional statement.

He posted on Instagram: “When I was in the initial stages of my recovery I set myself four goals. The first was to be out of pain. The seriousness of the break made for complications and further procedures. I went through a lot of pain and wanted to be able to live life without it. I did that.

WATCH THE LATEST EPISODE OF NATIONALWORLD ‘FITBAW TALK’, YOUR NAN’S FAVOURITE FOOTBALL PODCAST “The second thing I wanted to achieve was to be back on my feet and able to run around the garden and play football with my children. We’ve done that. Many, many times and they won’t let me stop now. “The third goal I had was to play for Hearts again. This meant a lot to me. I did that competitively in January, having played my first friendly in November, 10 months after I broke my leg. It was a long wait, but I was ready to play the rest of the season. “The last thing I hoped to do was to make the Scotland squad again. And to put myself in a position to be at the Euros. Coming into the provisional squad I knew I hadn’t got the games I needed so I trained harder, I trained well and felt, and still feel, very good. I am of course, so disappointed not to be there.

“Playing again for Scotland last night meant I did what I set out to do. And while it wasn’t in the way I wanted, I could never turn down the opportunity to play at Hampden again. Something I have had the honour of doing for over 20 years. The circumstances were tough, it was an extremely emotional night for my family and I. But I’m grateful I got that opportunity. To become the oldest player to play for Scotland, it’s a special record. “Given how long I’ve been doing this, I’ve experienced so much and I, probably more than others, know all too well, that things don’t always go your way. Decisions go against you. Last night, of all nights, I wished they didn’t but if a nervous 21 year old could have seen that so many years on, through some big challenges, I’d be there at 41 years old, I think I’d be very happy with that. “I should have been given a smaller shirt on my debut(!), but I knew that if I played for the badge on the front, people would remember the name on the back. I hope I’ve done that, and will continue to do so for as long as I feel good enough. 75 caps. Thank you.”