Steve Clarke says Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon has his eyes fixed on playing at the World Cup - in 2026.
The 39-year-old is still playing every week at Tynecastle and is the country's undisputed number one, with an eye on making up for injuries earlier in his career. Both Scotland head coach Clarke and Hearts manager Robbie Neilson have been gushing in their praise of the Jambos number one but there was disappointment when the nation missed out on qualification for this year's World Cup.
Clarke says Gordon was instantly on to him to assure him of his commitment for the Euro 2024 campaign and even the next major tournament after that, with an eye on playing to half a century. He said: "After the disappointment of not getting to the World Cup, David Marshall decided he was going to retire. Craig was immediately on my shoulder saying: Gaffer, I want to go to the next tournament.'
READ MORE: Robbie Neilson in Rangers time-wasting claim with Hearts boss unhappy with three minutes injury time
Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
"He doesn't just want to go to Euro 2024, he wants to go to the World Cup in 2026 if he can. That's good news. Is it feasible?
"Craig will be 43 but he's got his eye on it. Craig has assured me he's going to try and play until he's 50! When you look at Craig's appearance, he's physically fit.
"He looks after himself. He had that long spell out in the middle of his career when he didn't play so he's determined to play as long as he can."
READ NEXT:
- Hearts narrowly lose out at Rangers as Premiership becomes congested - three things we learned
- Cammy Devlin shelves Hearts and Hibs rivalry as he talks Boyle and Cummings Australia connection
- Jorge Grant Hearts red card appeal fails as midfielder set to miss Rangers and Livingston tussles
- Hearts star Cammy Devlin's tears of joy after Australia World Cup call revealed by Graham Arnold
