CRAIG Gordon is confident Celtic can repel international strikers of the calibre of Robin van Persie in the Europa League using zonal marking at corner kicks.
Gordon and his team mates let in three goals from corners during their two games against Swedish champions Malmo in the Champions League play-off.
But the Scotland internationalist is adamant the controversial defensive system can work in their Group A games against Ajax, Fenerbahce and Molde if it is implemented correctly.
“We've looked back at the goals we conceded again,” the goalkeeper said. “We got a few things wrong in the set-up and positionally we're not quite where we should be. That's cost us on a few occasions.
“The zonal system was already there when I came in and it's continued. I like it and I think it can work. On the whole it has worked very well for us, but we got a few things wrong the other night.
“We had a good record last season of not conceding goals. I can't remember losing too many from set-pieces. I feel very comfortable with it. If everybody does their job and attacks the space in front of them you've a very good chance of winning the ball.
“We made a few errors on the night. We had three big guys across the six-yard line trying to defend that area, but they put in good quality balls and we didn't manage to get our side right.
Gordon is looking forward to the prospect of atoning for the 4-3 aggregate defeat to Malmo in their Group A outings in the Europa League and to pitting his wits against some quality attackers.
He said: “They will be great games with good atmospheres so it is something still to look forward to. We will go in there and try and do the best we can and try and win enough points to get us through that group.
“I have played against van Persie a few times. I remember him scoring for Arsenal early on in my Sunderland career with a free-kick. I remember having some good games against him at the Stadium of Light.
“He is a world-class striker. He has been around and has some great experience. That is what you wasn’t to test yourself against; good players and good teams. I look forward to that.
“Technically, he is fantastic. His goalscoring record wherever he has been is fantastic. I will be up against a tough opponent there. But there is not only him. There are a few other decent players in that Fenerbahce team as well. Nani went there as well.
“He is another top-quality performer who has done it on the European stage before. We are obviously going in against some tough teams and some great players. But that is what you want to do in European competition.”
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