Cats star Craig Gordon out for three months

Nov 17 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

However, Gordon’s setback is Fulop’s gain. The Hungarian has plenty of admirers on Wearside and was Bruce’s first-choice at the start of the season with Gordon confined to the bench after his injury problems last term.

It would appear to be little more than a formality that the 26-year-old starts against Arsenal next weekend. However, Bruce tried to be coy last night when he argued Trevor Carson also had a case to be selected as Gordon’s replacement.

He said: “Marton’s been there and done it before, but Trevor has a chance to stake his claim too.

“I was impressed with the way he handled himself in pre-season, so it’s not a foregone conclusion that I’m going to pick Marton. Trevor has a chance to come in, too.”

Thankfully, given the relatively small squad Bruce has at his disposal before the January transfer window opens, the injuries to John Mensah and Bolo Zenden are not as bad as first feared.

Both are hoping to be involved in some capacity against Arsenal on Saturday.

Skipper Lorik Cana will also come back into the side having missed the Tottenham defeat through suspension after picking up five bookings in the Premier League.

And Bruce is still in awe of the Albanian international, a player he never believed he would actually have the chance to sign after watching him play a starring role for Marseille in the Champions League last season. “He’s been everything I wanted him to be when I first signed him, and a little bit more,” said Bruce.

HANNOVER have decided against requesting the postponement of their Bundesliga fixture at Schalke this weekend following the death of club captain Robert Enke.

Goalkeeper Enke was buried yesterday but his former team-mates do not feel delaying their return to action will help them as they try to cope following the 32-year-old’s suicide.

“We are travelling to Schalke to win there,” said midfielder Hanno Balitsch.