Craig Gordon: Hearts and Scotland goalkeeper points defiant message after season-ending double leg break

Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon has addressed stories that he’ll retire from soccer after struggling a season-ending double leg break.

The Scotland worldwide was stretchered off throughout a 2-2 draw with Dundee United on Christmas Eve after an unintentional collision with Steven Fletcher.

Gordon, who turns 40 on New Yr’s Eve, beforehand feared his profession was over a decade in the past following a severe knee damage and was launched by Sunderland after his £9m transfer to the Stadium of Gentle.

“I’ve performed this sport lengthy sufficient to know that I can not take something without any consideration,” stated Gordon, whose Hearts contract runs till the summer time of 2024.

“After I’ve been ‘written off’ with accidents earlier than, each sport is yet another than at instances, I believed I would get.

“I do know what lies forward as I’ve walked this highway earlier than and I will do it once more, albeit on crutches for now.

“Our medical group did an important job on the pitch. The workers and surgeons at Ninewells Hospital who carried out my surgical procedure on Christmas Day, and all those that taken care of me had been sensible.

“The membership, my team-mates and everybody who has despatched messages for my household and I, you may have all helped in giving me the most effective begin to my restoration and I am actually grateful. 40 tomorrow, I’ve not finished too unhealthy contemplating!”

Neilson: Gordon ‘is a warrior’

Hearts boss Robbie Neilson confirmed striker Lawrence Shankland has been appointed Hearts captain within the absence of Gordon however hopes to have the ‘keeper again someday.

“Lawrence is a pacesetter inside the group,” stated Neilson. “I believe there is a chance with him to develop additional.

“Craig Gordon will stay the membership captain however we want an on-field captain, day after day and on the pitch and that might be Lawrence. I spoke to some of the senior gamers and he was the primary candidate for us.

“I can see him changing into an actual good on-pitch captain. He is bought the attributes, he’ll play each week, prime goalscorer. He is bought a bit about him as effectively.

“I’ve been chatting with Craig loads and went to see him on Boxing Day. He’s very upset at what has occurred however is now speaking about timelines for coming again.

“I’ve identified Craig for a protracted, very long time and he is a warrior. He is confronted damage adversity earlier than and are available again stronger, so I’ve little doubt that he’ll strategy this in the identical method.

“For now, it is about relaxation and recuperation. There is no such thing as a strain on him as he’ll get the most effective medical care and rehabilitation services doable at Hearts.

“I might additionally prefer to thank our medical group and the NHS Scotland workers at Ninewells for giving Craig the absolute best care in what was a difficult scenario.”