When Celtic started their Group C campaign in the Nou Camp, Craig Gordon was facing up to the prospect that he might never play in the UEFA Champions League for Celtic.

Dorus de Vries had taken the gloves and it looked like a long road back for Gordon.

Yet, as Celtic prepare to host Barcelona tomorrow night, Gordon will go into the game on the back of his 125th appearance for the club – and not having conceded a domestic goal since going back into the team at half-time in a league game against Kilmarnock.

Read more: Ronny Deila reveals stress he was under at Celtic

The Hoops stopper has now clocked up 675 minutes without losing a goal against Scottish opposition, something that former Celtic keeper Alan Rough has been delighted to note.

Rough was in contact with Gordon at times when the player was staring at a premature end to his career after a major knee injury kept his out of football for nearly two years.

“There is a real quiet determination about Craig,” said Rough. “I met him a few times when he was injured and there was a real doubt that he would ever get back to a level where he would be able to compete in top level football.

“And yet, here we are with him firmly back as Celtic number one. It says everything about the guy.

Read more: Ronny Deila reveals stress he was under at Celtic

“He is determined but he is also very able. I know how much he stuck in to get back to playing first-team football and I am not surprised that he showed the same spirt and enthusiasm to get back into the Celtic team.”

Gordon had to prove himself both willing and capable to absorbing the philosophy of how Brendan Rodgers wanted him to play with the ball at his feet.

The Celtic manager believes that the goalkeeper’s distribution has improved and Gordon has been responsive to playing in the manner in which he has been asked.

“At first, I didn’t agree with it,” said Rough. “But I would have to say that since he has been back in the team I think he has improved with the ball at his feet.

Read more: Ronny Deila reveals stress he was under at Celtic

“He was in the position this summer where he had a new manager come in and all of a sudden it looked as though he wasn’t going to be first-choice. The very manner in which he went about his business tells you what you need to know.

“He didn’t throw the toys out of the pram. He was able to get onto the training pitch and get to work and he was in the position of being able to take his chance when it came.

“The Champions League is the toughest environment of all to play in but he is the guy I would have in every time.”