Hearts simply must offer exit-bound star new deal after ‘magnificent’ footage
Hearts are on track to win their first Scottish Premiership title since 1960 in what has been an electric campaign to date.
Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Dundee proved to be another nail-biting clash for the Jambos as they overcame the Dark Blues, despite being down to 10 players for the majority of the game.
With Rangers now breathing down Hearts’ neck at the summit, the win was needed, as they maintained their three-point gap.
While many players were outstanding, a surprise hero was Craig Gordon, who came off the bench to make a wonderful late save to win all three points for the Jam Tarts.
Now, Derek McInnes has to give the 43-year-old a new deal, with his contract set to expire in the summer.
What a save from 43-year-old Craig Gordon to ensure ten-man Hearts seal the three points 🤯 pic.twitter.com/6SHkkz8viV
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 11, 2026
Craig Gordon’s contract is set to expire in the summer
The goalkeeper has been at Hearts since 2020, and Gordon has even returned to the Scotland set-up in recent years after impressing for the Jambos.
However, appearnaces have been limited for the Edinburgh side this season, and his display on the weekend was his first of the campaign to date.
Yet, Gordon won plenty of plaudits for his performance against Dundee, in what could prove to be a crucial moment in the race for the Scottish Premiership title.
As a result, it has become clear that the experienced keeper is still very much capable at this level.
Save of the season from Craig Gordon?#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/W4eQDhztnC
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) January 11, 2026
Therefore, it should be a simple decision for McInnes to hand him a new deal to keep him for the 2026-27 campaign.
Hearts will find few goalkeepers with better quality and experience than Gordon, and offering him a new contract after the Dundee match should be a priority.
What has Derek McInnes said about Gordon?
McInnes was obviously extremely pleased with Gordon’s performance on Sunday.
The goalkeeper did not put a foot wrong and has rightly earned the praise of plenty of figures, including his manager.
Reflecting on his performance, McInnes told The Irish News on 11 January that Gordon was “magnificent”.
- Gordon joined Hearts in 2020 after spells at Sunderland and Celtic
- The goalkeeper is currently on his second spell at the Edinburgh club after previously progressing through their academy
- Despite being the backup keeper, Gordon showed on Sunday that he is still more than capable at this level
Reflecting on his late save, the manager said: “I thought it was past him, I really did. I think it beats the majority of keepers.
“It would have been harsh on us considering how well we defended, but obviously we’re fortunate to have Craig with his experience, know-how and ability at ma43 years of age.
“Some keepers coming on cold like that, having not played a lot, you’d be a bit concerned. But like he was for Scotland, the experience is huge. The reflexes are first-class and that save was instinctive.
“He’s always been capable of that type of save, and to do it at that moment was magnificent.
“For me, that feels like the best three points of the season. I think a lot of people would have been questioning us at half-time, thinking this might be where Hearts run out of steam.
“Down to 10 men on a heavy pitch, everyone had to do one-and-a-half jobs, and everyone did it to the letter. I don’t think anyone could deny us the win, and the big moment was Craig’s save.
“There’s some really pivotal moments in a season and this feels like one. We’ve had some really good afternoons, some brilliant away-day trips and some big performances but it does feel like that’s the best one yet for loads of reasons.”