OPINION
This time six months ago, the prospect of Celtic selling Craig Gordon at the end of the season would have been unthinkable.
The Scottish goalkeeper is one of the finest shot stoppers in British football and has been a reliable servant for the Hoops over the past few years.
Since the Bhoys’ return from the winter break, however, he has been displaced by Scott Bain, with the 27-year-old putting in a series of impressively solid performances since the turn of the year.
As such, Gordon’s number one spot is in serious jeopardy, and the Daily Record have gone as far as to name the 54 cap international on a list of prospective players that could leave Parkhead over the summer.
But Brendan Rodgers must resist the urge to sell his veteran keeper.
From a purely pragmatic point of view, even if Gordon is not a nailed on starter every week, there are few, if any second string goalkeepers who could hold a candle to him in the Scottish game.
There is of course the possibility that the 36-year-old might wish to seek first team football elsewhere, but he will know in his heart of hearts that his career is approaching an end, and there are surely few better places to see out your playing days than with the Hoops.
Beyond that, depending on Gordon’s personal ambitions, Rodgers could do far worse than recruit the stopper into his coaching staff when he does eventually hang up his gloves.
Looking to the future, it would surely be better for both player and club if they kept Gordon around for as long as possible.