Craig Gordon is not getting sucked into the noise surrounding the Edinburgh derby chaos, but he is fully on board with the hype behind Steven Naismith as the former striker looks set to have passed his Hearts audition.
The Jambos skipper is fully convinced the interim gaffer is the man for the Tynecastle throne having spent 16 years together in the Scotland ranks, as well as the last three together in Gorgie, writes the Daily Record.
Gordon is also full of belief that the 36-year-old can handle the never ending drama of Premiership management having spent seven weeks steadying the ship to secure European football for Hearts next season. Record Sport revealed on Monday that the former Rangers and Everton striker is edging towards being named Robbie Neilson’s successor in what would be his first crack at taking charge of a top flight side.
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And anyone wondering if he had the backing of the coaching staff and players in Gorgie only had to witness the incredible scenes at the end of the Hibs draw.
Gordon, who emerged from behind the dug out to help restore peace, said: “I don’t know what was going on - I think everybody was trying to hold everybody else back.
“There were so many people in the one place but nothing actually happened! A hot water bottle? No idea what was going on! It was a crazy match.
“It was the difference between fourth and fifth, and it wasn’t just the bragging rights, but in terms of Europe and players’ bonuses in relation to the finishing position.”
In terms of that the draw was enough for Hearts to retain local bragging rights and push Naismith closer to the job. And on that Gordon said: “There isn’t a great deal more he could have done.
“There is a lot that went against us in that time, in terms of red cards and things that have been sent to try him and he has managed to come out the other side so personally I think he can be very happy with how he has handled the seven games.
“He showed that if he does get the opportunity I think everyone will be working really hard in pre-season to continue the development Naisy has already put in.
“As far as the players are concerned I’m sure they would like that and to try and improve on where they were. I think he did well and whatever happens he can hold his head high because he did everything that was asked of him.
“The players really tried to buy into what he was looking for us to do. so I think the players would be happy with that. It’s down to the board now to make the decision they think best for going forward.”
As a friend and club captain with four years more wisdom Gordon might have expected the caretaker to lean on him for advice - particularly as he continues his rehab from last year’s horror leg break.
But Gordon said: “Now and again he does but not really. He has been very clear about what he wants. He’s got a good experienced coaching team there as well, with Frankie McAvoy and Gordon Forrest, and those, as a three, complement each other.
“Naisy has a good voice and speaks very well. He thinks about the game, he is very intense. He has been so enthusiastic about it. He spent a lot of time on implementing his style, a lot of time in meetings.
“He brought in smaller group meetings, where he was speaking to defenders, or different parts of the team where he tried to show them what he was looking for and he put an enormous amount of effort into trying to get his message across in terms of how he wanted us to play.”
Euro 2024 is still in Gordon's sights as the 'keeper is more than familiar with having to battle back from long term injuries, even if he will be 41 by the time the tournament begins in Germany.
He missed two years of his career between 2012 and 2014 with a serious knee injury, and a double leg break at Tannadice in December 2022 has put him on the shelf for another extended spell.
And with the skipper aiming to be back doing light work in pre-season, there is no stopping Gordon from getting back on the pitch as he aims to focus on his Hearts return before turning his attentions to the national team.
Gordon said: “I’d love that. Do it, say it. Write it! See what happens. I’ve had to fight back from injuries before. It’s tough but you’ve got to accept it’s going to be tough and fight against that.”
“That’s always something at the back of my mind when I’m in the gym and thinking I need to push myself that bit more that if Scotland can get to another finals I’d love to be part of that. A lot of work to be done for me to get back to that level but I’ll give it my best shot.”
“The leg’s getting there. At times it feels like it’s taking ages and you’re not getting anywhere but every now and again I do feel the progress has moved up a notch.
“I keep asking the physios if I can get the gloves back on but they keep telling me it’s not time! I’ll keep pushing them and they’ll give in eventually. The England game was mentioned but I’d need to be playing games before that to be in consideration.
“It’s just about getting fit, getting training, joining in with the squad and hopefully being available for selection for Hearts then take it from there.”
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