Oliver Birch 
Ian MacNicol/Getty Images Sport
Former Aberdeen striker Noel Whelan has urged Craig Gordon to sign a new deal with Celtic that allows him to coach the Reserves as well as continue playing, and it could be a wise move from the Hoops to tie him down to that deal.
Gordon’s current contract is set to expire this summer but, speaking to Football Insider, Whelan claimed the 37-year-old will be thinking about a coaching role despite his intentions to carry on playing.
As much as you get to a certain point where you like being at a club, when you know you are not first-choice sitting on the bench is not enough. He will want to finish his career playing.
The other option is him being at Celtic in a coaching capacity. It is something you have got to look at. He could sign a new contract – coaching with the 23s – still as a player but not a regular. One that is turned to if and when you need him.
Craig has done so much in the game and he needs to assess what he wants from the next three or four years. I think coaching would be absolutely brilliant. He will be thinking about it.
READ CELTIC VERDICT
While there are no suggestions that Celtic are considering offering Gordon this kind of role, it could be something for the Hoops to consider. The 37-year-old is vastly experienced, having amassed over 430 appearances throughout his career at club level alongside his 54 caps for Scotland.
Furthermore, he has been hugely successful at Celtic, winning 14 trophies with the club.
Therefore keeping someone with that experience and knowledge of what it takes to play and succeed for the club could be hugely important, especially if he is coaching the younger player coming through the ranks at Parkhead.
And if Celtic ever encountered an injury crisis in goal, then he could still be around to fill in. However, that decision would likely come down to what Gordon wants for his future, considering how he pushed for a return to Hearts in January to continue playing.
TRUE OR FALSE QUIZ: HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW CELTIC LEGEND BERTIE AULD? CLICK HERE TO PLAY TODAY’S QUIZ.
