Craig’s the 1 and only
Hero keeper Gordon has final say
When he left Celtic at 37 not many people would have predicted that he’d have days like this again.
But Craig Gordon did.
The veteran Hearts keeper rolled back the years at Hampden yesterday to produce a virtuoso display that helped seal his club’s place in the Scottish Cup Final.
Make no mistake, Robbie Neilson’s side wouldn’t have beaten Hibs without Gordon between the sticks.
Craig Wighton and Liam Boyce grabbed the goals to win this Edinburgh derby and secure a Hampden return on December 20.
But Gordon was the hero with some stunning saves over the 120 minutes.
His point-blank stop to deny Kevin Nisbet in the first half was world class.
He followed that up with a string of others – including a cracker from Joe Newell’s shot – then at the death flew to his left to keep out Christian Doidge’s overhead kick.
That ensured Hearts would win it and afterwards boss Neilson heaped praise on his No.1, even touting him for a Scotland call against Serbia in the Euro 2020 play- off.
Gordon also issued a come and get me plea to Steve Clarke and revealed yesterday’s semi-final success was one of the best days of his fantastic career.
There were a few raised eyebrows when he left Parkhead for Tynecastle in the summer, especially with the Jambos in the Championship.
But Gordon always suspected that he had a few more big performances left in him.
He said: “To come away from Celtic and get back playing – this is exactly why, to play in games like this.
“This is up there with my best days in the game. Just because of the magnitude of what it meant for the club.
“I made some good saves in the game and to make a contribution that helps get the win is massive for me and everyone at Hearts.
“You never know if you’ll get these chances or occasions again when you leave Celtic.
“But I still had confidence in my own ability. I feel I can go out and prove that I’m still capable at nearly 38. Age is no barrier, I can still perform for a few years yet.
“The first save from Nisbet’s header was big to keep it at 0- 0. Hibs were having a good spell at that point in the first half.
“That was a big one to keep a foothold in the game. I’m not entirely sure how I kept it out because it was so quick.
“I got a good hand on it and turned it to the side of the post. It was a really good save, one I’m very proud of.”
Scotland must surely call on Gordon for the crunch trip to Belgrade with a place at next summer’s Euro finals at stake. Current No.1 David Marshall is
i n go o d form at Derby but Rangers’ Jon McLaughlin isn’t playing and young Robby McCrorie was left out for Livingston on Saturday.
There’s a place up for grabs and Gordon would love to claim it.
He said: “I’d love to be in the Scotland squad for Serbia.
“I came away to try to play games and give mysel f the opportunity to be in there.
“I’ve been playing well so I’m happy and confident in my own performances. That’s all I can do.
“Beyond that it’s up to the manager to make a decision.”
Clarke would have been impressed as Hearts overcame their city rivals to set up a final against Celtic or Aberdeen.
It was a monumental day for Hearts, gaffer Neilson and owner Ann Budge after a turbulent close season which saw them controversially relegated to the Championship as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Gordon insists they used that as motivation yesterday – and will continue to do so as they bid to get back to the top flight.
He said: “It’s huge for myself and the club because of everything that went on with the relegation and everything else in the last few months. “This was our chance to come back and make a statement.
“We’ll use it as motivation, we’ll use anything we can. We do feel it. It’s not just us as players, it’s fans and people connected with the club who feel we were treated unfairly.
“If we can use that to our advantage, we’ll do it for as long as we can.”
Gordon’s day at Hampden was bittersweet with the news of Marius Zaliukas’ sudden death at the age of just 36.
He played with the Lithuanian defender at Tynecastle and was left shattered at full-time when he discovered the club’s 2012 Scottish Cup-winning captain had died following an illness.
Now Gordon wants to win the trophy for Zaliukas
He said: “I’m quite emotional about Marius. He was a great guy in the dressing room, a real leader.
“He was the exact type of centre-half you’d want in front of you – he’d always throw his body on the line.
“He was a real, hard defender. I played many games with him, he was fantastic for Hearts.
“I was very sad to hear the news as I’m sure he would have been absolutely delighted with today’s result.
“I feel for his family at this time. It would be fitting if we could go on and win it for him now.
“We’ve given ourselves the chance to go and do that now. Whoever we play, we’ll give it our best shot.
“But for now we need to get back to league business, get points on the board to try and make sure we get back to the Premiership.”