Sunderland keeper desperate for game time

Gordon returned to action last week from a broken arm that has kept him out of action for two months.

He told The Evening Chronicle: “I’ve done as much physical training as I can and the case for me now is to play games and get back to my best on the pitch.

“It was a bit disappointing not to be able to play in the reserve team this week.

“I’ve only managed 90 minutes so far for the reserves (against Aston Villa last week) and that can be a big help in coming back from a long injury like I’ve had.

“The obvious downside is that coming up to train with Scotland, if I’m not selected to play then I could miss a reserve team game and two international matches.

“With the goalkeeping situation up here at present, Scotland takes preference in that case, so I really didn’t want a club versus country problem – that’s the last thing anyone wants.

“Ultimately, I want to do what’s best for everyone, and I had a chat with the coaching staff both ends and, on this occasion, I haven’t been able to stay back and get the game time I need.”