Dorus de Vries has admitted that he expects Craig Gordon to be back in goal for Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Bayern Munich – but has insisted that both players are driving one another on.

The Dutch goalkeeper made his first competitive appearance for 13 months in the weekend win over Dundee but has been on the periphery since Gordon resumed the number one spot last September.

De Vries had offers to go elsewhere in the summer only for Brendan Rodgers to block them.

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The keeper is out of contract at the end of this season but has insisted that for now his focus is on Celtic and maintaining the goalkeeper’s union.

“I am sure that Craig will be back in for Wednesday’s game but I don’t have a problem with that,” said de Vries. “We are goalkeepers. We understand it. We train together, we work really closely together and we are always trying to drive one another on to be the best that we can be.

“I am happy for Craig because he has played very well and had some really good performances for the team. Of course I want to play and I want to focus on my game and in that respect it was good for my own confidence on Saturday to go out and make a few decent saves.”

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Despite that, de Vries remains committed to trying to oust Gordon from the number one spot.

The Dutchman’s time in the first-team was short-lived after getting injured in a game last September against Kilmarnock. It gave Gordon the nod to get back in, an opportunity he took with both hands.

“It can be frustrating but I have a positive mindset,” he said.

“I spoke to Brendan over the summer and he told me that he wanted me to stay. He didn’t want me going anywhere else. I had offers from the English Premier League and from back home but it was the chance to go back to England that was interesting for me.

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“However, the manager made it clear that he wanted me here and I was happy to remain.

“He is a quality coach and I have really enjoyed working with Stevie Woods and all the other technical guys. Craig and I have a good relationship.

“We know what pressure we are under. We know the position and what is expected of us and I am always at his back.

“It is the same the other way too. Who knows what will happen over the next few months but for now I am here, I am working hard every day and I am ready if I am called upon.”