Try GOLD - Free

Gordon puts dark days behind him

Western Mail

|

November 20, 2025

CRAIG Gordon focused on the people who had helped him through the dark days as he savoured the fulfilment of his two-decade long campaign to get Scotland back to the World Cup.

The Hearts goalkeeper made his Scotland debut in May 2004, six years after the country was last represented on the biggest stage.

He featured heavily in failed campaigns to get to the 2006 and 2010 tournaments and then had a four-year hiatus from international football as he battled a knee injury that looked highly likely to end his career.

After making a hugely successful comeback with Celtic, Gordon was then back at the heart of the 2018 and 2022 campaigns, playing in the playoff defeat by Ukraine for the latter.

Gordon's Scotland career looked over again after he failed to make the Euro 24 squad but he was back as number one for the Nations League campaign.

There were further twists and turns as a neck injury potentially spelled the end of his career.

MORE STORIES FROM Western Mail

Western Mail

Terry Yorath called an 'icon in Welsh football' after his death at the age of 75

Phil Blanche and Rob Harries look back on some highs and lows from the life of Terry Yorath, a true Welsh sporting legend, who has died, aged 75

time to read

3 mins

January 09, 2026

Western Mail

Lorraine sets off on a Norwegian odyssey

Breakfast TV queen Lorraine Kelly is the latest celebrity to trot off on an adventure of a lifetime with a camera crew in tow. By Rachael Popow

time to read

2 mins

January 09, 2026

Western Mail

Triumphs and tragedy of a Welsh football icon

ONE of Wales’ most successful ever managers has died at the age of 75 following a life filled with incredible highs and devastating tragedy.

time to read

2 mins

January 09, 2026

Western Mail

Western Mail

Anger in Minneapolis over fatal shooting probe

PROTESTERS are venting their outrage following the fatal shooting of a woman in Minneapolis by a federal officer taking part in the US government’s latest immigration crackdown.

time to read

2 mins

January 09, 2026

Western Mail

‘Mini-cliff’ is greeted with wave of surprise

MORNING walkers got a shock when they came across a sheer drop running virtually the entire length of a£14m beach.

time to read

2 mins

January 09, 2026

Western Mail

Western Mail

Calls grow for change after deaths of two bikers

CHANGES are needed so that life-saving volunteers who deliver blood to those who urgently need it around Wales can be safer on the road following two tragic deaths in a matter of months, a new petition has said.

time to read

2 mins

January 09, 2026

Western Mail

How my first trip abroad turned from happiness to horror

A plane crash in Spain when she was just 11 left a lasting impression on the First Minister, writes Ruth Mosalski

time to read

3 mins

January 09, 2026

Western Mail

Western Mail

Emma sets sights on world record bid

EMMA Finucane will be chasing more than just medals at next month's European Championships as she eyes a world record chance in Turkey.

time to read

2 mins

January 09, 2026

Western Mail

Mother in court after she failed to send her children to school

A SINGLE mother from Cardiff has been sentenced in court over her children’s shocking school attendance.

time to read

2 mins

January 09, 2026

Western Mail

Chancellor set to U-turn on business tax relief

Number 10 told reporters: “We are engaging with the industry, listening to their concerns and finding out how best to help them.” It added that £4.3 billion in support has already been ear-marked for hospitality businesses. UKHospitality previously warned that the typical pub faces a 15 per cent increase in its rates bill next year.

time to read

1 min

January 09, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size