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Gordon: Naismith is best man for Hearts

By BRIAN MARJORIBANKS

CRAIG GORDON last night backed Steven Naismith to restore Hearts as the Premiership’s third force if he is appointed permanent manager at Tynecastle The Scotland goalkeeper says the 36-year-old ex-Rangers, Everton and Hearts forward has the backing of the squad after his seven-game stint in interim charge. Naismith’s final match saw his team reduced to 10 men but still pip Hibs to fourth place and guaranteed European football after a stormy derby in Gorgie finished 1-1 on Saturday. Hearts were targeting a second successive third-place finish but lost out by four points to Aberdeen. But if Naismith (pictured) gets the nod to officially succeed Robbie Neilson, Gordon believes his former international colleague is capable of helping the club achieve its goals. ‘It is possible,’ he said. ‘He showed a lot in the seven games. If he does get the opportunity, I think everyone will be working really hard in pre-season to continue the development he 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. ‘Whatever happens, he can hold his head high because he did everything that was asked of him. It’s down to the board now to make the decision they think is best.’ Gordon is still recovering from the horror double leg-break that he sustained playing for Hearts at Tannadice on Christmas Eve. He is not yet setting any targets for a return but, after being previously written off when a torn anterior cruciate ligament cost him two years of his career, he is determined to silence any doubters all over again. He said: ‘I’d love people to write me off. Do it again! See what happens! ‘When the guys come back for pre-season, I’m hoping I might get back outside and start the rehab process. I see the surgeon again in July and then I’ll take it from there. ‘It’s still sore at times but it’s definitely improving. I just need to keep working hard and, when I get to the stage where I get the all-clear, I want to be in the best possible shape to start then.’

CRAIG Gordon was speaking at Camstradden Primary, in Drumchapel, as part of the Scottish FA’s Week of Football.

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2023-05-31T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-05-31T07:00:00.0000000Z

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