Hearts captain Craig Gordon signs new contract at Tynecastle

Craig Gordon has committed his future to Hearts, signing a new two-and-a-half year deal with the club.

The Hearts captain’s existing contract was due to expire in the summer, and there had been reports linking English sides with a move to land the Scotland international after a continued run of outstanding form.

Gordon has now extended his deal until the summer of 2024 and the veteran will now lead Robbie Neilson’s side through the rest of the season having secured his long-term future.

“These things always tend to take a bit of time but there’s no question that this is what I wanted,” Gordon said.

“Since I returned to the club the ambition was to first of all progress from the Championship and then regularly sustain challenges at the top end of the Premiership. We’ve done that so far this season and want to continue that and consistently be successful in the years to come. I want to be a part of that and I’m very happy to stay and give another two years towards making Hearts as successful as we possibly can.

“I always set myself goals and I’ll be working as hard as I can to help push everyone on and set the standards required for us to be successful.

“We’re in a good position currently, five points clear in third. We must make sure we keep that gap and what we’re looking for now is to push on and get that European spot. There’s a lot of hard work yet to be done.

Hearts head coach Neilson said the club were lucky to have the 64-times capped goalkeeper, who turned 39 today.

“I’m really happy that Craig has committed his future to the club,” he told the club website.

“He’s been such an important part of the journey we started last season and the exciting thing is that we’ve only just started so to have Craig with us on it is great news.

“I’ve said it many times but he makes the sublime look easy and I now just expect him to make saves, no matter how ridiculous they are. He is a world class goalkeeper and we’re lucky to have him.”

Sporting director Joe Savage said: “It’s fantastic to have Craig commit his future to us.

“We speak a lot about bringing the right players to this club and in Craig we have, not only a world class player, but a leader. He’s respected by everyone inside and outside the dressing room and he is a fantastic role model for our younger players.

“He is the backbone of Hearts and I know the fans will be delighted he’s going to continue pulling on that famous jersey for years to come.”