Craig Gordon signs new Hearts contract as evergreen keeper completes fightback from horror injury

Craig Gordon is set for yet another year between the sticks after signing a new contract with Hearts.

The veteran keeper has battled back to fitness after a horror double leg break against Dundee United at Tannadice, with many speculating that it could be the end for the Scotland international. But he's put pen to paper on a one-year extension at Tynecastle, which will take him beyond his 42nd birthday playing for his boyhood club.

Gordon is targeting an international recall and a place in Steve Clarke's squad for Euro 2024 this summer. First of all though, he must dislodge Zander Clark as the No 1 goalie in Gorgie. That's proving a tough ask so far, with Clark keeping another clean sheet in the Jambos' 1-0 win over his former club St Johnstone in midweek. But now boss Steven Naismith knows he'll be heading into the next campaign well stocked in that position.

He said: “It’s great for everyone that Craig has extended his contract by another year.

“Firstly, and most importantly, he’s a fantastic goalkeeper. I see him in training every day and he continues to put in unbelievable performances. To see him come back into the team against Spartans was a special moment.

“Secondly, he’s a leader. He’s an influential figure in the dressing room, someone who has played at the top level both domestically and internationally. Younger players look up to him, so to know that he will be at the club for another 18-months to not only compete for the No.1 jersey but pass on his knowledge to others is a massive thing for this club.

“He’s the type of character this club needs in order to keep progressing because he knows exactly what it takes to be successful.”

Sporting director Joe Savage added: “Getting Craig’s immediate future sorted is