Craig Gordon has shared how four personal targets helped him fight back from a horror double leg break as he reflected on earning his 75th cap for Scotland.

The Heart of Midlothian goalkeeper was sidelined for 10 months and feared he would never play professional football again. Yet, at 41-years-old, he bounced back and made seven appearances for his club during the latter stages of the season. 

His remarkable return to first team action earned him a national team recall from Steve Clarke as he was chosen among four goalkeepers in the provisional squad that was preparing for Euro 2024. 

On Friday night, Gordon entered the Hampden Park field during the last 21 minutes of the 2-2 friendly draw against Finland to receive his first cap for nearly two years.

But moments after the final whistle, he found out the devastating news that he, and Rangers' John Souttar would be the two unlucky souls being cut from the final 26-man squad who will jet off to Germany, and that his dreams of featuring at another major tournament were over. 

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Taking to Instagram, the veteran posted a long and emotional message explaining his feelings around the Euros snub and reflected on his journey within football. 

He said: "When I was in the initial stages of my recovery I set myself four goals. The first was to be out of pain. The seriousness of the break made for complications and further procedures. I went through a lot of pain and wanted to be able to live life without it. I did that. 

"The second thing I wanted to achieve was to be back on my feet and able to run around the garden and play football with my children. We've done that. Many, many times and they won't let me stop now. 

"The third goal I had was to play for Hearts again. This meant a lot to me. I did that competitively in January, having played my first friendly in November, 10 months after I broke my leg. It was a long wait, but I was ready to play the rest of the season. 

"The last thing I hope to do was to make the Scotland squad again. And to put myself in a position to be at the Euros. Coming into the provisional squad I know I hadn't got the games I needed so I trained harder, I trained well and felt, and still feel, very good. I am of course, so disappointed not to be there. 

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"Playing again for Scotland last night meant I did what I set out to do. And while it wasn't in the way I wanted, I could never turn down the opportunity to play at Hampden again. Something I have had the honour of doing for over 20 years. The circumstances were tough, it was an extremely emotional night for my family and I. But I'm grateful I got that opportunity. To become the oldest player to play for Scotland, it's a special record. 

"Given how long I've been doing this, I've experienced so much and I, probably more than others, know all too well, that things don't always go your way. Decisions go against you. Last night, of all nights, I wished they didn't but if a nervous 21-year-old could have seen that so many years on, through some big challenges, I'd be there at 41-years-old, I think I'd be very happy with that. I should have been given a smaller shirt on my debut , but I knew that if I played for the badge on the front, people would remember the name on the back. I hope I've done that , and will continue to do so for as long as I feel could enough. 75 caps. Thank you."