Reinstatement in the national team’s Whatsapp group discussion is also implied by this. Yes, that is precisely what took place. That’s how things are now; I just got two messages: “left” and “re-added,” he grinned. Gordon, who was Zander Clark’s backup last season, is back in the Hearts lineup this year. Scotland boss Steve Clarke included him in the most recent team due to his club form.

“I was unaware of it. Ahead of Hearts’ first Conference League matchup against Dinamo Minsk, Gordon stated in Azerbaijan, “I found out coming off the training pitch just before we left to go to the airport.” “I was surprised by it. I never closed, even though I assumed that would be the last game I ever played.

“All I’ve ever done is leave and make a concerted effort to return.” I have taken that action. I’ve been able to participate in a respectable amount of games this season. I just focused on myself and did my best work. It’s good that the chance has presented itself once more.

“In football, you never know.” A few injuries, particularly at the custodian position, and a few players who were part of the team but aren’t playing for their clubs. Thus, you can never be sure. I didn’t want to shut that down entirely in case something similar did occur. Playing for Scotland and representing your country is the best feeling in the world.

“I’ve had the great fortune to accomplish that 75 times. It would be even more extraordinary to do that once more, having likely assumed it was already the end. In other words, I’m grateful for any chance I get to play in major games and demonstrate my continued ability to perform at a very high level at this point in my career.

In that Hampden Park match against Finland, Gordon made a fleeting cameo appearance that appeared to be his last international appearance. He said, “Yes, absolutely, I did think that.” As I already stated, I didn’t end that chapter, but I was undoubtedly considering it to be my final game for Scotland. That was also quite sentimental. Those were some really trying days.

“There was a lot going on, including trying to get relatives to witness what appeared to be the last chapter of my career in Scotland.” It’s really tough to prepare for a match of that importance when you feel it’s coming to an end. That was quite the hectic few days, with challenging conditions to attempt to play in. I’m still appreciative that moment happened.

And who knows? That might turn out to be my final game for Scotland. As much as I would like to think it’s not, it very well might be. I was really appreciative to be on the pitch for that one last time at that particular moment. But since I’ve rejoined the squad, it’s clear that I’m hungry.

Clarke didn’t give Gordon any prior warning of the recall. “No, it was just the same as it’s been any other time, I’ve not spoken to him,” said the keeper. “I got the email only just shortly before you guys all find out. It was only when I was coming off the training pitch, but before we headed over here, that I found out the news. So yeah, a nice surprise. Yeah, it’s up to me now just to work away, work as hard as I can, perform as best I can and see what happens.”

There is plenty to occupy him at club level before international fortnight begins. Hearts play Dinamo behind closed doors on Thursday evening and fly to Aberdeen the next day ahead of Sunday’s Premiership engagement at Pittodrie. The Conference League’s new format involves a 36-team league, with the top eight progressing automatically to the last 16. Clubs finishing ninth to 24th enter play-offs.

“There’s still lots to achieve. I think we’ve got a big opportunity coming up in this competition right here,” said Gordon. “It’s probably a welcome distraction from everything that’s going on in Scotland for us at the moment. We want to come over here and focus on getting a good result and getting off to a good start in this group. It’s a group campaign, so we want to do as well as we can.

“If we can get a few wins on the board, then there’s the opportunity that we could perhaps get out of the group. So we have to focus on that. That is the next game. Beyond that, we go back to Scotland and try and pick up the results and get ourselves up the table – start trying to pick off the teams above us and see where we can get to. So, yeah, lots to do in terms of the team.”

Naturally, Gordon never stops pursuing his own goals. It’s about continuing to play. He noted, “I’m getting close to 300 Hearts appearances.” In order to do that this season would be really pleasant. Apart from that, my goal is to remain a member of the team and provide the best service I can to everyone present.

This level of competition features a lot of challenging games. You will need to struggle and fight to earn each and every point. Additionally, three points will be crucial given the current league setup. It will be essential to win games. We have to go out there with the idea that we’re going to try and get the three points. Since it will suddenly be far more significant than it has ever been.

Gordon might go into the opposing penalty area once more, like he did against Ross County on Saturday, if Hearts need a goal late on against Dinamo. When Lawrence Shankland headed the equaliser in the 1-1 draw, he was present. “I’m not sure. I didn’t even ask permission. I simply continued to run. The keeper joked, “Next time, before I run up there, I’m going to ask the boss.”