Gordon sees bench benefit

Scotland No.1 feels he is more confident and determined after being dropped

By Robin Hackett   Last updated: 20th April 2008

Craig Gordon1

Gordon: Focusing on positives

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Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon believes he has improved as a result of Roy Keane's decision to drop him earlier this season.

The Scotland international was the club's record signing when he joined from Hearts for £9m in the summer, but Keane was quick to leave him out after a poor performance in the 7-1 defeat to Everton in November.

And while he admits it was an unhappy experience, he believes that having to fight for his place has made him stronger as a player.

"It hurt being left out," he told the Sunday Mirror. "Of course it did. It wasn't nice.

"It is something I haven't been used to at any point in my career - it was a bad experience and one I wouldn't like to repeat.

"The only way to look at it is that you have to convince the manager that you should be back in the team. You can't do anything else.

"I was disappointed it but I accepted it because that was the manager's decision. I didn't point the finger at the defenders in front of me. I just accepted it and got on with it.

"You have to show the manager you have the capability and the right attitude to play in the team. That was the reaction he wanted.

"He isn't going to want you being happy to be left out of the side.

"I just kept my thought to myself and went out to prove that I was the one who should be playing. I won my place back and now just have to make sure that I continue to improve.

"I have never doubted my own ability and I have come back more confident and determined than before to do better."