Scotland recall 'welcome surprise' for Gordon

Craig Gordon is in Azerbaijan on European duty with Hearts

The 2026 World Cup "feels a long way away" for veteran Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon, despite his return to the Scotland squad.

The 41-year-old admits he thought his international career was over when he was cut from the pool of players going to this summer's Euros.

However, he has the chance of adding to his 75 caps in the forthcoming Nations League double header against Croatia and Portugal.

"It was a surprise - a welcome one," said Gordon of his call-up.

"I worked hard over the summer to be in a position where I could get back playing games and I’m delighted to be there."

Gordon has started eight of Hearts' 10 matches this season after missing a large chunk of the last campaign as he battled back from more than a year out with a double leg break.

He became Scotland's oldest international as a late substitute in the last warm-up match before Euro 2024, having already been told of head coach Steve Clarke's decision to leave him out of the party travelling to Germany.

Asked if he thought that 2-2 friendly draw with Finland would be his final Scotland appearance, Gordon said: "Absolutely. That was the last push to get to a major tournament. To be told I wasn't going, it did feel like the end.

"I did say if he wanted to call on me I would be there and he said he wouldn't close that door."

On the prospect of getting to the next World Cup, Gordon said: "That feels a long way away. I’m just taking it one season at a time.

"We'll see probably towards the end of this one what the plans are for after that."