First team

Craig: Unfinished Business at Hearts

09 February 2024

Craig Gordon hopes to achieve even greater heights in a Hearts jersey after penning a one-year contract extension with the club.

 

Already with a glittering career for both club and country under his belt, the timeless goalkeeper spoke of his desire to help Hearts to even more success in the future.

 

The Hall of Famer is excited for the future at Tynecastle, with milestones and success on his mind as he looks to add more honours to his already legendary status at Heart of Midlothian.

 

“I feel really good, and I’m pleased to get the contract extended for another year,” he told the media ahead of Sunday.

 

“There’s still lots to try and achieve. There’s a lot of milestones on the horizon which is something to aim for going forward.

 

“The aim is to get back playing. To get back in the Scotland squad. I think I might be the oldest player to play for the national team if I get another cap. I’m already Hearts’ oldest player so I may as well try and do that for Scotland too!

 

“The thought of retiring isn’t in my head at all. One day it will, but not at this moment in time. All my attention right now is focused on taking my next opportunity. I feel like I’m training really well and more than ready to play if called upon.

 

“There’s a lot of motivational factors: what’s left to achieve and what milestones are coming up. My legacy will be for other people to decide, but there’s plenty that drives me on and keeps me going. That’s how I think about those types of things.”

 

Craig could be in line for his 279th Hearts appearance should Steven Naismith call upon him for Sunday’s Scottish Cup tie at Airdrieonians.

 

The Diamonds are having a memorable season under the guidance of Rhys McCabe, with the captain well aware of the challenge presented by our Championship opposition.

 

“Airdrie are a good team that are playing some really good stuff at the moment,” he added. “We’ll have meetings to discuss our game plan and figure everything out. They’re in the midst of a really good season.

 

“It has the makings of a really good match, and we’ll need to rely on our strengths to get us the win. It’s going to be a tricky one and a game where we’ll need to be at our very best to win.”