CRAIG Gordon tonight insisted that Scotland’s performance in their gutsy 1-0 win over Austria in Vienna had been better than their display in their historic triumph over France in Paris back in 2007.

Gordon kept a clean sheet in the Qatar 2022 qualifier in the Ernst-Happel-Stadion to ensure the national team triumphed, picked up three vital points and moved into second spot in Group F.

The 38-year-old, who was winning his 60th cap this evening, played for his country when a long-range James McFadden strike secured a famous 1-0 win in a Euro 2008 qualifier in the Parc des Princes 14 years ago.

But he thought that Scotland, who prevailed thanks to a first-half Lyndon Dykes penalty, had produced a far superior all-round showing against Franco Foda’s men  

“That was huge for us,” he said. “It was a great performance away from home. We really needed to take something from the game. Getting the three points was huge for us in this group.

“I felt comfortable all night. The guys in front of me were absolutely superb all night chucking their bodies in front of things. We defended the box so well all night when we had to and limited them to very few opportunities.

“The one that came through late on I managed to keep out. So from my point of view it was a fairly quiet evening. I have got to give huge credit to the guys in front of me who were outstanding all night.”

Gordon added: “It was a big performance. We played a lot better than we did that night in Paris. Tonight I thought we kept the ball at times, created chances and on another night could have got a few more goals.

“But we kept a clean sheet and that will be so important for us going forward. All round the park there was great performances. There wasn’t a single man that let the team down and that’s exactly what we need – to get points away from home.”

Gordon has only reclaimed his place in the Scotland starting line-up during this Qatar 2022 triple header because David Marshall has not been playing for Derby County this season and was omitted from the squad.

The Hearts keeper is hoping that he has many more appearances for his country to come – starting in the massive Group F match against Israel at Hampden next month.

“I hope so,” he said. “I will try to hang on as long as possible. Certainly, playing behind that back five, if they can keep me as quiet as that I am sure I will go on a little bit longer.”