Gordon’s a match for Goram and Leighton
Robbie Neilson believes Craig Gordon is secure in his status as one of Scotland’s greatest-ever goalkeepers.
The 39-year-old produced another outstanding performance at Hampden as Hearts booked their place in the Scottish Cup final.
Gordon denied Hibs an equaliser when he leapt to push a Ryan Porteous header on to his right-hand post.
His manager can think of few better goalies who have graced the Scottish game.
He said: “You’ve got the Goalie (Andy Goram), that I played with myself at Queen of the South, and Jim Leighton – that’s probably it.
“He’s right up in those echelons and is getting better and better. I am pretty sure he will play for Scotland in the summer as well.
“I’d be amazed if he’s not the Scottish Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year and the SPFA Player of the Year as he’s done it every single week.
“There’s been guys with the Old Firm and other teams who have done it sporadically through the season but every single week he’s producing world-class saves.
“It allows us to be more expansive because, if someone goes through, then the majority of times Craig Gordon will save it.
“It’s going to take something special to get by him.
“I played with him 20 years ago with and he has matured massively. He takes sessions with the players, he’s a quiet guy but he leads by example.
“He was talking to the players about what it’s like to get the bus in with the fans, what to do in the tunnel, the dressing room and when we come out, what happens if we lose or score a goal.
“That’s priceless for the younger ones.”
Neilson has taken Hearts to the cup final and they are guaranteed European football until Christmas, either in the Europa League, if they win a play-off, or the Europa Conference League.
His success this term has seen him shake off the criticism that came his way as the club competed in the second tier last season.
He said: “That’s part and parcel of it when you are at a big football club.
“If we’d got beaten, it’s a different story and people are asking different questions.
“The way football is now you are either really good or really bad. That’s it.
“Shaun Maloney’s a really good coach, and he has coached at the highest level.
“If he wins the game it’s a different story. It’s the culture now. You buy a T-shirt, wear it twice and get rid of it – it’s the same with managers.”
Neilson’s only worry is the injury to Craig Halkett that saw the defender leave the pitch on a stretcher.
He added: “Craig will get a scan on his ankle.
“Winning the game lets players aim for the final. I expect John Souttar to be back and I expect Michael Smith.
“I think all the guys who picked up knocks will be OK and there’s now a great carrot to get in the team.”