Gordon is battling his way back to fitness following knee surgery in April and, although reluctant to set a deadline for his return, is confident he will be back to his best when he returns to action. McGregor - whose own international career was in doubt following the 'Boozegate' affair - has made the most of Gordon's absence by establishing himself in boss Craig Levein's plans. Gordon said: "He has done well. He has played 13 or 14 games now for Scotland. From my point of view it's been disappointing not to be in the squad at the same time. "I think he has picked up probably 90% of those caps while I wasn't even in the squad so that's disappointing from my point of view that I've not been around for that amount of games. "But I'll get myself back playing and I see no reason why I can't challenge when I'm back playing." Gordon says he has little hope of being back in contention for next month's Euro 2012 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Lithuania at Hampden but refused to rule out the double-header against Liechtenstein and Spain in October. He said: "It's very doubtful for the games in September. They are only a few weeks away now and I've not done any football training really. "It's all been on my own and I would need to actually play in game situations before those games. "It would be very unlikely now that I could play in these ones but I hope it's a possibility that I could get back for the following ones. "It's by no means certain but I wouldn't like to rule myself out of those just yet." Scotland are still hopeful of securing a play-off spot and Gordon believes the national team is heading into these crucial games in good shape. He said: "Things have been progressing very nicely and there have been some good results and some good performances as well. "Things are heading in the right direction and we are definitely improving as a team. These are two big games and ones that everybody is looking forward to. "The public seems to be really behind the team at the moment and I think we've got a good chance of winning these two games."
