Zander Clark admits his Hearts debut was a 'bittersweet' moment as he gets set for an extended run in the side.
Jambos and Scotland No1 Craig Gordon is out for the long-term after suffering a double leg break. He will miss the remainder of this season. He's been a key player for Robbie Neilson at club level and Steve Clarke on the international scene over the past few years with the stopper making big saves and winning points on his own.
Former St Johnstone keeper Clark - who will come up against his old club tonight - has been waiting for an opportunity due to the stunning form of the 39-year-old. He will now get that chance due to the serious injury with the Scotland squad man 'gutted' for his team-mate. But now he wants to make sure he picks up from where Gordon left off by doing well and helping the capital club on their mission to finish best of the rest behind Celtic and Rangers once again and secure another European adventure after their Europa Conference League group stage exploits this term.
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He said: “First and foremost I’m gutted for Craigy. He’s been brilliant, even just before it you saw the save from Steven Fletcher. It kept us in there with a fighting chance in the game.
“But on a personal note I was delighted to come in, it’s bittersweet in the circumstances. But football is a cruel game, these things happen.
"When you’re a goalkeeper and an opportunity opens up and you get a chance you need to make sure you go in and do well for the team and yourself.
“I could stand here all day and tell you how good the big man is, I don’t need to, everybody knows it. It’s a tough task. I just need to make sure I am ready to go. I felt good in training this week, I was ready for that moment if it ever came around.
“I was under no illusions when I came to the club that it would be a challenge to play regular football – or even just football! But I had it when I broke through at St Johnstone, Alan Mannus was a top goalkeeper as well to try and displace.
“It’s frustrating but it gives you something to work towards.”
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