McGovern unsure whether Craig Gordon is Scotland’s number 1

Michael McGovern reckons Craig Gordon may already be back to the form that once persuaded Sunderland to pay £9-million for his services.

The Celtic keeper made a couple of uncharacteristic blunders against Inter Milan on Thursday night, redeeming himself somewhat with a terrific save from a free-kick right on full time.

Yet as McGovern looks ahead to the pair’s meeting in today’s match at Douglas Park, the Northern Irishman admits he is nevertheless unsure whether Gordon merits an international cap when his country visit Hampden Park next month.

“It is hard to say who the Scotland No. 1 is right now because the competition is so intense,” he said.

“But David Marshall has done so well for his country that it would be very harsh on him were he to be taken out of the team.

“Cardiff got relegated last year but he was one of the top keepers in the Premier League in England, and I think that has been recognised.

“He got back into the Scotland team, and hasn’t done anything wrong.

“In fact, everything he has done has been positive. So, for me, he is in control of the jersey but facing challenges from Allan McGregor and Craig Gordon.

“Allan is at the top of his game in England, and Craig is doing well in Scotland, so it is very healthy.

“Craig has been better than good. He is the signing of the season. He has been sensational. To get a goalkeeper who went for £9-million a few years ago in for a free is an incredible piece of business.

“He is older now, so I don’t know if anyone will ever pay that kind of money for him again.

“But in terms of form, Craig can absolutely get back to his best if he’s not there already.

“Craig has such a great temperament. I have heard him say that even when he is flustered, he makes it look like he isn’t.

“That spreads through the team, while the converse is that sometimes with other keepers who are a bit erratic the panic can spread.”

Having also received praise this season, both for the quality of performances and his calm approach, McGovern is hoping he may be given a run-out by Northern Ireland in the Scotland friendly.

“Roy Carroll, who is from my home town of Enniskillen, has been brilliant for the country so it’s a tough challenge to get ahead of him,” he said.

“But I’d hope the manager would think of a change for the Scotland game.

“Having been in Scotland for so long now, it would be really nice to play at Hampden.

“I know the manager (Michael O’Neill) won’t judge it on sentiment, however, so my form will have to be good.”