Gordon targeting big campaign

The 32-year-old was this week rewarded for his stunning comeback with a new three-year contract.

The former Hearts and Sunderland player's career looked to be over after a knee injury restricted him to one game in more than three years. But he defied the numerous sceptics by winning the Scottish Football Writers' player of the year award after returning to football with Celtic last season.

With the new campaign already under way for the Hoops in European qualification, they get started in the Ladbrokes Premiership this weekend and Gordon is targeting a special year - which could see him compete in the Champions League and European Championships for the first time.

The Scotland international said: "It's something to strive for, to set myself to try and play in those types of games.

"But that's up to myself and my performances and also the team, Celtic and the national team, to try to make those things a reality.

"There's a lot of football to be played, but certainly those are things I would like to do. We will give it our best shot and hopefully I can put those things on my CV."

The former £9million signing, who cost Sunderland that sum when joining from Hearts, added: "Perhaps the easiest part of it was to come out and try to prove people wrong - the extra motivation to perform week in, week out. Now I have got to a level I'm very happy with, I want to continue to improve and maintain the standards I have set for myself."

He added: "The European Championship and the Champions League would be a fantastic thing to experience.

"There's a lot of hard work needed to make that a reality but that's why I get out of bed every morning, come through here and work as hard as I possibly can."

Celtic kick off their Ladbrokes Premiership defence at home to Ross County on Saturday but their focus will then immediately switch to Azerbaijan for the second leg of their Champions League third qualifying-round tie next Wednesday.

Gordon kept a crucial clean sheet against Qarabag this week with Dedryck Boyata's late winner giving them every chance of making the play-offs.

Ross County boss Jim McIntyre is determined to make sure his side are not just bit-part players in Celtic's opening day party.

The Staggies boss is mindful that his side picked up a point when they visited the east end of Glasgow last December and is looking for his side to go one better as the new campaign gets under way.

"They are the games you want to be involved in," said McIntyre.

"You want to be going to places like Parkhead and getting results.

"We got a result there last season and it would be great if we could go one better this time and get the three points.

"There is no reason why we can't but what we do know that any time you go there you have to bet at your best."