Craig Samson answers Aberdeen SOS as retired keeper named on bench for Scottish Cup clash

Stephen Glass has been forced to name goalie coach Craig Samson as a substitute for their Scottish Cup trip to Motherwell.

The 37-year-old former Scotland squad keeper joined the Pittodrie backroom team earlier this week.

But the veteran will take his place on the bench as back-up for Aberdeen - four years after he hung up his gloves!

First choice Joe Lewis has been missing due to illness in recent games with Garry Woods featuring in the last two games.

Kid gloves Tom Ritchie has been on the bench but is also crocked and Samson has been signed as an emergency keeper.

Samson moved to the north east on a short term basis to fill in for Gordon Marshall who is recovering from a knee operation.

And he has now penned a playing contract with a statement from the club saying: “As Gordon Marshall recovers from a knee injury, we can confirm that Craig Samson has this week joined the club to support goalkeeper training.

“Following a serious injury sustained by Tom Ritchie, Craig has also been registered as a back-up goalkeeper in today’s squad.”

Samson was recently working at Hibs but left when Jack Ross was axed and Glass turned to the experienced former St Mirren man.