A former Premier League star was warned he could die from treatment he needed that would keep his dream of playing in the World Cup alive
A former Premier League star was told he could die from the treatment he needed to play in this summer’s World Cup.
Scotland and former Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon suffered a neck injury in March while playing for title-chasing Hearts and required treatment on a slipped disc that pinched a nerve and caused a weakness in his arm, to keep his World Cup dream and career alive.
The 43-year-old visited top Harley Street spine specialist Usamah Jannoun, who explained the serious risk he faced if he underwent the treatment to keep alive his hopes of making Steve Clarke’s squad and potentially becoming the second-oldest player to play in the tournament’s history.
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Gordon recalled what he was told by Dr Jannoun, who said: “You’ve read the information leaflet… you could get paralysis, you could die.”
He revealed he understood the consequences but proceeded: “There was definitely a worry it was something that was going to be longer term, not only in football but also for the rest of my life.”
Gordon will be the oldest player at this summer’s World Cup at 43 years and 161 days, and if he plays, he will become only second to Egypt’s Essam El Hadary, at 45 years and 161 days, to play at a World Cup.
However, he faces competition from Nottingham Forest’s Angus Gunn and Rangers stopper Liam Kelly. Asked if he still sees himself as Scotland’s best goalkeeper, the 84-time international said: “I think everybody has to think like that. I would like to think the other guys in the squad think the same thing.
“That doesn’t mean to say that if the other guys play you don’t support them, because absolutely we do. This is a country effort, this is everybody together.
“But you have to have that mindset to prepare properly, as if you are going to play and you are going to be the No 1. I always want to strive for the best I possibly can.
“Of course, I want to play. But it is a bit of a triumph that I’ve managed to make it here. Perhaps when I look back that will be the overriding emotion. If that was to happen I would still feel proud.
“To be the oldest man at the tournament is something to be proud of, regardless of position. But at the moment the full focus is on being the best I can be.”
Commenting on Clarke’s stance on his No.1 goalkeeper, Gordon said: “There’s been no indication whatsoever. That’s nothing new. We’ve got a few days left of training to try and impress and show that we’re the one to take that position.
“I’ll train as well as I possibly can over the next few days and see who the manager picks.
“Playing in a World Cup is what every young kid wants. To be able to say, ‘I’ve done that’ would definitely be something you’d carry with you for the rest of your life.”