Craig Gordon returns to Hearts action 292 days after horror leg break and hails 'special' Tynecastle appearance

Craig Gordon made his long-awaited playing return from his broken leg hell under the wraps of a closed doors bounce game on Thursday evening. And the Hearts hero admits the 45-minute run out was “pretty special” even if it was in front of an empty Tynecastle.

Gordon stepped up his remarkable comeback with a second half appearance a full 292 days after suffering the horror double break that many feared would end his career.

The 40-year-old Jambos captain has never hid his determination to play again and his return to training last month gave hope to Jambos that the Scotland stalwart was edging closer to full fitness.

And after coming through 45 minutes in Gorgie on Thursday he’s hungry for more action as he edges towards a competitive comeback. Gordon said: “It’s nine and a half months now since that day I broke my leg, yeah it’s been a long time coming.

“It’s been difficult at different periods of rehab but it’s great to get back out there, especially the first game back here at Tynecastle.

“I know there’s no fans there but to get back out on that pitch is pretty special, always. Being in the changing room, getting changed and going back out onto a stadium pitch is what I’ve been wanting to do to get back to that level and this was the first stage.

“To get back out and play 45 minutes in the second half was just great. To be out there feeling the positions and being in the right place at the right time. Getting all those little things back embedded into my mind. Yeah it was great to be part of it.”

Gordon will now step up his training routine as Hearts prepare to return from the international break against champions Celtic at Tynecastle on Sunday.

Boss Steven Naismith moved to calm excitement over the skipper’s return to