Gordon wary of ‘strong’ title challenge from former club Hearts

Craig Gordon believes Hearts are “very strong” challengers for the Premiership title and accepts Celtic are facing a more competitive challenge for their crown this season.

Hearts remained five points clear and unbeaten at the top of the table with their 2-1 win over St Johnstone on Saturday.

Celtic goalkeeper Gordon, who helped his side to a 1-0 win over Aberdeen which keeps them six points off the pace,waspartoftheheartssquadwhich last mounted a serious title bid in 200506. Their challenge that season was undermined by instability off the pitch under Vladimir Romanov’s ownership but Gordon feels his old club’s current set-up leaves them better placed to sustain a tilt for top spot.

“Hearts are looking very strong although there is still over 30 games to go in the league,” said Gordon, pictured. “It is early days but they have certainly started very well. It’s difficult for anyone to maintain that throughout a season. There are always going to be blips along the way and it’s about how you react to that.

“They have a great coaching staff there andaveryexperiencedmanagerincraig Levein. When I was there in 2005-06, it was a strange season because we had at least three different managers. At the moment it seems quite stable there and everybody must be enjoying it.”

Gordon added: “We are certainly in a fight. I don’t think we can look solely at Hearts as there are a few other teams in contention as well.”