Tamdoffshiscapto ‘world-class’show fromjambosno.1
Tam Courts hailed Hearts and Scotland keeper Craig Gordon “worldclass” after watching him pull off two sensational saves to frustrate his Dundee United side at Tannadice.
The 38-year-old pushed a point-blank Ryan Edwards header over the crossbar then followed up with a flying save to turn a Charlie Mulgrew free-kick round the post.
“I trusted the boys and they knew at half-time we needed to put more impetus into the game,” he said.
“As the second half wore on, we gradually took more of a foothold in the game. We were in the ascendancy and it was wave after wave of attack.
“But unfortunately for us, Hearts have a world-class goalkeeper.
“Craig made two worldclass saves and then we were caught with a sucker punch to make it 2-0.
“We know he’s a top keeper and we have celebrated him being a top keeper for Scotland.
“But the free-kick stop from Charlie Mulgrew... I was behind it and thought it was going in the top corner.
“You face that type of quality against the top teams but I felt we were worthy of something from the game.”
His assessment was echoed by Hearts boss Robbie Neilson.
“I would agree with the saves being called world-class,” he said.
“He had nothing to do for 70 minutes and then Charlie Mulgrew hits a free-kick into the top bin and I always thought he would save it because he can read it.
“His experience now and his quality and his reactions are top-level.
“Hopefully, he will get more caps to his collection with Scotland.
“I’ve said since he came in the door that he should be Scotland No. 1. He’s 37 but he’s still got a number of years left in him.
“He’s looked after himself and he’s not got that many miles on the clock because of his injury issues in his career. He’s still fresh and I am delighted to have him.”
United, meanwhile, have managed to tie midfielder Calum Butcher down on new terms.
“He has signed a twoyear extension and it’s great to have him here in the prime of his career,” said Courts.
“I am delighted because he is such a big influence for us. He’s a dominant figure and a real leader for us.”
The United manager also had praise for Chris Mochrie, who made his league debut yesterday.
“The young players will get chances and I know what they are capable of,” he said of the 18-year-old midfielder.
“Chris was excellent and has been boosted by getting a Scotland Under-21 call-up too.
“That was a big occasion for him.”