As a nation, Scotland have a bit of an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the goalkeeping position. Manager Gordon Strachan has three top class keepers to choose from in; Allan McGregor, Craig Gordon or David Marshall.

When Strachan fielded Marshall against the world champs Germany in Dortmund recently it showed that their probably wasn’t a clear number one. The Cardiff City man came away with a lot of credit and couldn’t really be faulted. The view was that he’s the keeper most used to constant attacks and that would be valuable against Muller, Schurrle and co.

After spending two seasons without a club (due to injury), former Scotland number one Craig Gordon has returned to action with Celtic. He has done well, especially against Austrians Red Bull Salzburg. At thirty-one he should still be hitting his peak. The player will be determined to prove he is still a great goalie and capable at the highest level.

Both of these gents are fine goalkeepers but for me they fall slightly short of the standards that Allan McGregor has consistently performed at in past five years. The Hull City goalkeeper had a fine, consistent debut season in the English Premier League last term. He helped his club finish away from the relegation places and to a runners up spot in the FA Cup. He made some wonderful stops and certainly helped his side gain more points due to his saves. Also its worth noting he kept seven cleansheets in twenty-six EPL clashes, while Marshall only had six in thirty-seven league outings.

I also think its important to remember that McGregor is the one out of the three that will be regularly be up against superb strikers week-in week-out. Plus he has great experience in the biggest of matches whether it be in Europe or Old Firm ties.

To be fair to them all, none have let their nation down. Gordon has forty caps, McGregor thirty-two caps and Marshall in his twelve Scottish appearances.

I do believe that Craig Gordon needs to wait in line for his chance. He cannot and won’t expect to go straight into the national team. It’s important he has a full season with Celtic and showing he hasn’t lost his class and can stay fully fit!

David Marshall is an admirable goalie. He also has a fantastic stature for a keeper. That said Cardiff City are struggling in the Championship and he has made a few mistakes in the past year that people over look.

Whereas McGregor is capable of point and match winning saves. He’s been the most consistent of the Scottish goalies in our recent past and as I’ve said he plays against more threatening opponents during a season.

But the final decision is down to Gordon Strachan and whomever he chooses at least we will have a great performer who will give their all in a Scottish jersey. It would be nice if we could also get a few more defenders that have a similar class and ability!

Posted on September 20th, 2014 by scott
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