AFTER years in the cold, Craig Gordon spent his Christmas day in the wind and rain.

And the Celtic goalkeeper loved every second of it.

This time last year the former Hearts and Sunderland man was still in the football wilderness hoping that the opportunity to resurrect his injury-hit career would present itself.

Spending weeks on end in the gym trying to build his fitness back up, he allowed himself time off last December 25 to enjoy some quality time with his family.

While it was something Gordon made the most of, 12 months on the Celtic No.1 was relishing the opportunity to embrace everything football has once again offered up to him.

As Celtic went through their paces at Lennoxtown ahead of tomorrow's game against Ross County, Gordon was probably the happiest player of the lot.

"It is a slightly different Christmas period this year to the one last year," said the 31-year-old, who has also worked his way back into the Scotland fold.

"I am certainly not complaining as I didn't think this would be possible. To have a busy Christmas period is quite a nice thing for me.

"If someone had said to me last Christmas that I could achieve all I have this season, I'd have said they were being a bit far-fetched.

"This time last year, I hadn't even got to the point of going out and training. It's been quite a turnaround."

He added: "Quite lot of things happened and that's what I wanted.

"Did I think it would happen? Probably not - but it's certainly something I wanted to make happen.

"It's all come about a little bit quicker than I thought but I put in the work and effort to try and make it possible.

"I've been lucky enough that things have turned around quickly for me."

While Gordon earned a £9million move from Hearts to Sunderland back in 2007, he has watched on as speculation continues to swirl around the man standing in front of him on a Saturday - Virgil van Dijk.

The Celtic keeper admits the Dutch defender is far different from anyone he has ever encountered before. And he is hopeful not only will the centre-half stick around beyond January, but the interest from club's down south won't lead him to take his eye off the ball.

"I've never played with any centre-half with the kind of football ability he has - the ability to start attacks and play a pass. He's great on the ball," said Gordon.

"We managed to keep a hold of him in the summer and if we can do that again, I would be happy.

"Keeping Virgil is almost like a new signing every transfer window for us.

"We will see what happens but I am happy with what he's done this year and I know he's been good for a while now."

He added: "The summer window can drag on but the January one only lasts a few weeks.

"It's a little bit quicker, things aren't as drawn out and I don't think it will affect Virgil.

"We expect the same level of interest in him as before - and maybe even higher.

"That's just what happens if you get good players in and they do well. I don't think it will affect him or the team."

ends