That Sinking Feeling

Craig Gordon’s Hampden celebration has become an iconic image of an incredible day, and one that the goalkeeper will long remember

- Mark Henderson

CRAIG Gordon is focused and unflappable on the football field. He is a master of keeping his emotions in check. But back in May at Hampden, he simply couldn’t hold them back.

As Tom Rogic danced past the Aberdeen defence in the dying seconds of the Scottish Cup final to score the goal that clinched the treble and ensured Celtic would go down in history as Invincibles, the 34-year-old let loose. To the backdrop of delirium in the Celtic End, the goalkeeper sank to his knees, raised his arms aloft before collapsing to the ground.

Months and months of pressure and toil were released in an instant in an outpouring of sheer joy, relief and exhaustion. It has become one of the iconic celebrations of that extraordinary day.

Gordon has never felt anything like it during his long and distinguished career. Little wonder then that he has replayed that video clip over and over again. Only when the Scotland internationalist hangs up his gloves will he feel in a position to absorb the enormity of the achievement.

And that’s many years away. For now, the single-minded and serious Gordon is back. A new season is underway in Paradise, and for the fiercely-ambitious shot-stopper that means fresh challenges and objectives to pursue.

The previous 12 months may have been the perfect domestic campaign, but Gordon told the View in an exclusive interview why there should always be room for improvement.

First of all, tell us about that incredible Scottish Cup final celebration – how many times have you watched it back?