CRAIG GORDON will be made to sweat to see if his return to form will be rewarded with his start for Scotland for more than four years.

The Celtic shot-stopper is one of three keepers named by Gordon Strachan for the friendly against Northern Ireland a week tomorrow and the Europa 2016 qualifier against Gibraltar four days later.

Though Gordon came on as a sub for the second half of the friendly against England in November, David Marshall is the man in possession of the No.1 jersey, with Allan McGregor pushing hard to retain the spot.

Strachan believes it is the strongest trio of keepers this country has ever had.

But, it means two of them will be disappointed when he names his side next week.

The manager reckons they are all good enough to handle the responsibility - and the blow, if they are left out.

He said: "All three have had a game for us recently, so they have all had a feeling of being the man selected.

"Situations can change.

"Take David Marshall. This time last year he was the most talked about keeper in England, with reports he was going to Arsenal or Spurs because he was playing magnificently for Cardiff.

"This year, it's been very quiet. He is in the Championship, and he's been injured for a couple of games.

"So, the situation does fluctuate.

"This time last year, Craig Gordon didn't even have a club. But, this season, he has been fantastic.

"Allan McGregor has had a few injuries, and has been in and out.

"His team is hovering just above the relegation zone.

"So, they are all in different places at the moment."

With Marshall the 'baby' of the trio at 30, Strachan is confident they are all mature enough to handle whatever decision he makes.

"Absolutely," he agreed. "I've seen nothing to make me think otherwise.

"But, I have seen nothing in the entire squad, not just among the keepers.

"I don't think I have had a tantrum thrown by any of them."

Another important decision will be who takes the armband.

Darren Fletcher is back playing regularly since his January moved to West Brom.

But, Scott Brown has been a more-than-able deputy.

And, despite his much-publicised night out last week, he is expected to remain the man in possession.

Strachan refused to declare his skipper at this point, and said: "I'm lucky I have got a few players who can be captains.

"I will leave it at that."

Bournemouth's Matt Ritchie is the only new name in the 26-strong squad.

And Strachan has brought back "opposition eliminator" James Forrest, and wants to speak to the Celtic winger about where he can fit into the side in the future.

However, there is no place for either Gary Mackay-Steven or Stuart Armstrong.

Strachan did not feel the need to call the Hoops new Bhoys to explain, primarily because they have not been involved in any squads recently.

He said: "You have to remember, I picked them before, when they were still at United.

"I know what Gary can do, and I know Stuart is playing in a bit of a different position from what he did.

"But, I want to see James Forrest face to face.

"I also want to see Matt Ritchie, and I want to see Ross McCormack again, too.

"I'd made up my mind about them a couple of weeks ago, really."