CRAIG GORDON admits there was an element of risk involved in signing for Celtic last summer ...

but believes it has so far proved to be one that was well worth taking.

The one-time £9million goalkeeper admits he took a chance when he signed a two-year deal at Parkhead having only played one competitive match in the previous three years due to a serious knee injury.

At that time he was not 100 per cent sure he would not suffer a setback. He did not know new manager Ronny Deila and whether he would fit into his plans. And there was the small matter of existing No.1 Fraser Forster standing between him and regular football.

There was plenty for Gordon to think about.

The Scotland shotstopper, however, wanted to aim as high as he can. He rejected the opportunity to join a smaller club where he would be guaranteed regular football to sign up with the Scottish champions.

He kept his fingers crossed that transfer rumours about Forster moving back to England would come true, that he would take the giant Geordie's place between the sticks, and go on to establish himself as Deila's first-choice No.1.

If he got to pick up some silverware along the way even better, and any individual awards would just be the icing on the cake.

So far it has all come to pass and given Gordon a dream debut season.

Forster got his £10m move to Southampton, Gordon took his place and has helped Celtic to a league and League Cup double.

And yesterday he has been named as the Scottish Football Writers' Association's Player of the Year.

And Gordon admits it has surpassed all his expectations. He said: "Did I have any doubts when I signed last summer? Yeah, loads! Fraser Forster was still here. I didn't know if it was the right decision to come in at this level and fight for a first-team spot, or should I have dropped down a level or two, get first-team games and try to work my way back that way.

"So there were a lot of doubts whether I had done the right thing coming here. Anything could have happened from that point. I could be sitting here at the end of the season having not played a game and not achieved anything. And then I would have been kicking myself for not going and getting games under my belt.

"I was ambitious enough, though, and wanted to go in as high as I could. I wanted to prove I could still play at this level and, thankfully, I've been able to do that.

"I didn't really set myself a minimum target. I wanted to play some games, but I didn't have an exact figure. But if Fraser had stayed here maybe I would have just played in the cup matches or before or after a European game if they were resting players. I really didn't know.

"I didn't know the manager coming in, his philosophy or his thinking. So it was a step into the unknown. I just wanted to back myself as I had done that throughout my rehab to get back. I was confident I could get back to those levels, but I didn't have an awful lot to back that up. I had to go out and prove it. Thankfully, I managed to do that."

The upside to those two years on the sidelines was getting to spend time with his young family, but it also made Gordon aware that he was not ready to retire. Goalkeepers have the advantage of playing into their 40s and beyond and Gordon, who is 32, sees no reason why, health permitting, he cannot keep going for a while yet.

He added: "I hope I can play for as long as I can. I've seen what it looks like not playing. Although it was nice spending time at home with my two young girls, I want to play football for as long as I can. You're a long time retired and I got a little glimpse of that during my time out. I know how lucky I am to be able to keep playing.

"I'd like to try keep playing until I'm 40. If my body holds up, I'll try to play as long as I can. Brad Friedel has just announced his retirement, aged 43, so that gives me another 10-and-a-half years! I could have a while yet.

"I don't see me moving on from Celtic, certainly not at the moment. I'm very happy here and the manager has been great with me. We've got a really good relationship and I work very well with goalkeeping coach Stevie Woods as well. I'm looking forward to next season and giving the Champions League a go."

Gordon won this award before with Hearts in 2006 and becomes only the sixth player to do so more than once. He believes he has become a better keeper with age and experience.

"I was 24 when I won it the last time, so there's a lot changed within my game. I've changed technically a few things that have helped me to cope with the injury and, overall, it has improved my goalkeeping in general.

"Coming here there's been a different style of play, having to play out from the back, having a higher line and having to be a sweeper at times is something I hadn't done too much of at my previous clubs. That's been a change.

"Now, having experienced all those different styles of play, I think I'm better now than when I won the award before."