Craig's not missed a beat... if Scotland need him he'll be ready

Del: Lack of minutes won't hamper Gord

- BY FRASER WILSON

DEREK MCINNES insists “first class" Craig Gordon is ready to deliver for Scotland - despite not having kicked a ball in competitive action for six months.

Steve Clarke faces a huge call between the sticks for the crunch World Cup qualifying doubleheader against Greece and Denmark with Angus Gunn injured.

Falkirk keeper Scott Bain has been recalled for the first time in six years and is the only member of the shot-stopping trio playing regularly, given Rangers' Liam Kelly has only had one appearance in the League Cup this term.

But 42-year-old Gordon's experience makes him favourite to be picked for the games which could end the nation’s 28-year wait to reach a World Cup - even though the Hearts icon has not played a first-team game since May 3.

That will be 196 days by kickoff in Piraeus next Saturday, yet Jambos boss McInnes said: “I don't think it’s a perfect situation Steve finds himself in with goalkeepers but if anybody can deal with it, Craig's got the experience.

“He was in the squad the last time after maybe only having a week, 10 days of training. We're now another month on. Although he's not had first-team involvement, certainly not starting games, we've had bounce games and 11 v 11 games in training.

“He’s not missed a beat with training, so he’s certainly more ready for this round of games than he was the last round.