‘Gordon can stay as long as he wants’

ROBBIE NEILSON insists Craig Gordon can play on at Hearts for as long as he wants after revealing the club have opened contract talks with the evergreen goalkeeper, writes Iain Collin.

Gordon, inset, turns 39 in just two months’ time but proved he is still at the top of his game with crucial saves at vital moments in Scotland’s wins over Israel and Faroe Islands to help keep the nation’s World Cup dreams alive.

The Tynecastle No.1, who returned to his first club on a two-year contract in June last year, was back on the club’s training ground yesterday morning to prepare for this weekend’s mouthwatering top-of-the-table encounter with Rangers at Ibrox.

He is sure to again be a key figure for the Jambos as they seek to maintain their impressive eight-game unbeaten run and, as the former Celtic and Sunderland player approaches the final six months of his current deal, Neilson admits the veteran is a reassuring presence he is desperate to retain for as long as possible.

“He had two really good performances and two really good results so he is ready to go,” said Neilson of Gordon. “That’s what Craig does, he is very steady with the simple things. Then he makes the exceptional looks easy as well. Hopefully he continues that with us.

“We’re keen to get him tied down. He has a clause in his contract and we’re trying to move forward on that. I don’t see it being too much of an issue here. He is very settled, his family stay around the corner, so hopefully we’ll get it done.”

Asked how long the contract was likely to be, Neilson added: “Fifteen years! As long as Craig wants to play he’ll be here, hopefully. He turns 39 later this year and he is still fit as a fiddle. So whatever Craig wants to do, we’re happy to facilitate it.”