Veteran Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon said qualifying for his first World Cup at the age of 42 was worth all the turmoil he has endured in his career as he revealed Steve Clarke talked him out of retirement in the summer.

The Hearts number one, who has had to battle back from some severe injuries over the past two decades, was pondering his future in the game at the end of last season before extending his deal with his club for another year.

Despite not playing for the Jambos this term, Gordon, who made his Scotland debut in 2004 and will be 43 by the time next summer’s finals kick-off, was thrust back into the breach for the incredible campaign-concluding double-header against Greece and Denmark.

“It’s emotional,” he told BBC Scotland after the dramatic 4-2 win over the Danes which

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