Goalkeeper Gordon fears worst after knee injury

Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon was consulting with knee specialists on Wednesday amid fears that his season could be over due to another injury.

The 26-year-old Scotland international, who joined the northeast club from Hearts in a 9million pounds deal when Roy Keane was manager, has missed his side’s last two games after sustaining the injury to his knee.

He had already missed six months of the season because of a knee injury and had just battled his way back into the first team.

“It’s automatic to fear the worst. There might be an operation and we will find out whether that is required,” Gordon said.

“It’s a possibility that it is the knee cartilage, but I’m trying to remain positive.

“It’s been the worst season of my career for injuries. I have never had anything like this at any stage.

“I have hardly missed a game in my career, so to have two lengthy injuries back to back is disappointing.

“When you come to a new club in the first couple of years, you want to stamp your authority on things and I have been in and out, which has not been ideal.

“So let’s get this season over and done with, stay in the Premier League and look forward to next season to come back stronger.”

Gordon’s first setback came on the eve of the the derby clash with Newcastle back in October when he suffered the ankle injury which limited him to just two appearances in a run of 26 games as Marton Fulop took over.

But his latest absence just three games into his comeback sparked suggestions he had been dropped after 49 appearances to avoid triggering a 300,000 pounds payment to Hearts for playing 50 matches, something chairman Niall Quinn has angrily denied.