Paul Robinson Exclusive: Lennon must hold talks with Celtic mainstay to block exit
Paul Robinson insisted Celtic manager Neil Lennon needs to talk to goalkeeper Craig Gordon in order to stop him exiting the club.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Laura O’Leary, the former England No.1 revealed Gordon will need to be convinced to accept being the club’s No.2 keeper.
Lennon revealed he had a brief chat with the 36-year-old keeper on Saturday over his future with the veteran’s contract up in the summer.
Gordon has barely featured this season for the Hoops and Robinson hinted that if he wanted regular football than he may need an exit.
When asked if Gordon’s future is up in the air given no contract talks have begun, Robinson told Football Insider: “Yeah, but for Neil Lennon to have someone of his age and ability and experience around the squad, on the bench…I think it’s vitally important Neil Lennon gets him tied down to a new contract.
“I think Lennon needs to talk to him about his new role as a No.2, especially if Forster comes on a full-time basis with them still yet to decide whether he’ll be at the club on a full-time basis.
“If he comes full-time then there has to be a new role for Gordon, but both parties have to be happy with it.
“I did it at Burnley, and it’s a completely different role and a completely different mindset, but if you’ve still got your heart set on playing, the role of the number two isn’t for you.
“But if a manager can explain the role to an experienced goalkeeper like Gordon and if he can get his head around being a number two, he’ll be absolutely invaluable as a No.2 keeper.”
Gordon has only played six times across all competitions for the Hoops this season, letting in four goals and keeping three clean sheets in the process.
The 36-year-old has been at Parkhead since joining the club in 2014 and has racked up 242 appearances for the club.
In other Celtic news, Danny Mills suggested wantaway Hoops may be stuck at Parkhead due to his demands.