Gordon recalled to Scotland squad for Hampden World Cup qualifiers

Craig Gordon has been recalled to Scotland’s national team for the upcoming home World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Belarus at Hampden, the national coach announced on Tuesday. The 42-year-old goalkeeper, who has not played for Hearts this season while recovering from a slipped disc in his neck and a recent minor hamstring problem, returns to full training and joins a reduced 23-man squad named by head coach Steve Clarke for the early October fixtures.

Gordon, capped 81 times by Scotland, replaces clubmate Zander Clark in the group and will compete with Angus Gunn and Liam Kelly for the starting goalkeeper position. Gordon was Scotland’s first-choice keeper during last year’s Nations League campaign and made his most recent international appearance in the March playoff second leg against Greece. He last played for Hearts on May 3 and had missed Scotland’s summer friendlies and the opening World Cup qualifiers while injured.

Clarke’s selection shows continuity in much of the squad while trimming the numbers from the previous international window. Defenders Max Johnston and Dominic Hyam have been omitted, and there are no recalls for Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland or...