Steven Naismith names Hearts masterplan to help Gordon AND Clark seal Euro 2024 spots

Steven Naismith will consider looking after his No.1s in a bid to land a unique goalkeeping double at the Euros.

The Hearts boss will restore Zander Clark between the sticks at the expense of Craig Gordon today as the Jambos try to seal third spot with a win over nearest rivals Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. And if the Jambos triumph on Killie’s plastic pitch for the third time this term – having won there in the League Cup and Premiership – Naismith will ponder the prospect of rotating the keepers in the final four games to give both the best possible chance of making Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for Germany.

The Hearts boss believes Clark will take only three keepers, despite squad sizes being boosted to 26, which will leave Clark and Gordon vying with Motherwell’s Liam Kelly for the two back-up spots behind Angus Gunn. Naismith said: “I think we’re in this position because the two goalies have pushed each other.

“From the different circumstances of Craigy being a long-term injury to coming back at a certain time, they’ve pushed each other, and that’s been the drive. The way it’s played out, Craigy had to show he was back.

“There was never going to be a case where I played Craig unless I felt he was back, and I’ve worked with him and played with him enough to know when that moment came. It’s like every player, if you’re not on it you’ll not play and that’s the way it’s been. Both of them will say they want to play every game. Unfortunately only one goalie plays.

“Zander will play against Killie because it’s an important game and we go back to the way we’ve worked all season. Both will be desperate to do all they can to get in the team. But all I can be is honest with them and that’s what I have been.

“They’ve both