A former Sunderland player is set to make an unlikely return to the international stage, at the age of 41.
The international break is upon, and for Sunderland and Regis Le Bris, it seems to have come at quite a good time.
Sunderland remain in 1st place of the Championship table. But results and performances have been somewhat mixed since the September international break.
The Black Cats have played five since the return of football following the last international break; winning two, drawing one, and losing two.
Last time out, Sunderland drew 2-2 with Leeds United, only claiming a point thanks to an Illan Meslier howler in the final minutes of the game.
Still, fans are excited for the season ahead, and excited to see several names in action during this month’s international break.
On a negative note, however, Dan Ballard and Jobe Bellingham have picked up injuries already in this month’s international break.
Former Sunderland man Craig Gordon poised for emotional Scotland return
Sunderland fans might also want to catch a glimpse of Craig Gordon this month; the former Sunderland man has been named in the Scotland squad for games against Croatia and Portugal in the Nations League.
Now age 41, Gordon made 94 appearances for Sunderland between 2007 and 2012, keeping 21 clean sheets.
Sunderland set the British record for the highest transfer fee paid for a goalkeeper, which stood at £9million until the record was broken in 2011 when Manchester United signed David de Gea for £17million.
Released by Sunderland after a string of injuries, Gordon spent two years out of the game before returning with Celtic, and now finds himself playing for Hearts.
He’s the current no.1 at Hearts and is now in line to start for Scotland against Croatia and Portugal in this month’s international break owing to an injury to Angus Gunn.
Gordon’s last start for Scotland came in 2022, and he’s recently given a lengthy and emotional interview about his career and his Scotland return, which you can read here.
Age is no limit for some footballers
Especially for goalkeepers; this day and age of sport science means that players can boast lengthy careers, even after serious injuries, and maintain a high level of football.
Sunderland though are trying to implement the opposite. They boast the youngest team in the Championship, but right now they also boast the best team too.
The Sunderland owners and Kristjaan Speakman have struck a good balance, and their recruitment today is vastly different to when the likes of Gordon was signed for big money at the Stadium of Light.
A very good goalkeeper whose journey has been a prolonged and emotional one, football fans in general will surely be happy to see Gordon back on the big stage after all he’s been through.