Craig Gordon

The 37-year-old has enjoyed a trophy and accolade-laden career, which began at Hearts when he joined the Academy in 1999.

Following a productive loan spell at Cowdenbeath in 2001, Craig got a taste of first-team action with Hearts in 2002 before going on to establish himself as the club’s no.1 ‘keeper in season 2003/04.

His stock rose season after season thanks to his consistently outstanding performances, which saw him win his first Scotland cap in 2004. To date he has amassed 54 national team appearances and a place in the Scottish FA’s International Roll of Honour.

Craig was part of the legendary 2005/06 team that finished second in the league, earning a shot at Champions League qualification, and lifted the Scottish Cup by beating Gretna, with Craig saving a penalty during the shootout. He was voted the Scottish Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year, the first Hearts player to win the award since Sandy Jardine in 1988.

At the age of only 24, he was inducted into Hearts’ Hall of Fame in 2007 and was the youngest player to receive such an accolade.

In August 2007, he earned a move to the English Premier League when Sunderland paid £9 million for his services, a then British record transfer fee for a goalkeeper.

He made 88 top flight appearances during his time at the Stadium of Light and his stop against Bolton in 2010 was voted Best Save in Premier League history, before he departed the Black Cats in 2012.

A period of coaching followed while Craig completed his rehabilitation from injury and in 2014 he signed for Celtic, where he would go on to win six Premiership titles, five League Cups and three Scottish Cups as well as his place back in the national team, and a second SFWA Player of the Year award.

His contract at Celtic Park expired, allowing Hearts to make a move to bring him home to Tynecastle. 

The story continues for Craig, with his return to Gorgie nothing short of sensational. After inspiring the Jambos to the Championship title, his superlative showings between the posts helped Hearts finish third in the 2021/22 Premiership.

A regular for club and country, that summer also saw Craig collect his third SFWA award - the only player in its history to do so.