Hearts’ Gordon ‘not pushing’ for loan after talks with McInnes & Clarke

Craig Gordon claims he was persuaded to keep playing after having conversations with Scotland manager Steve Clarke and Hearts boss Derek McInnes.

The 43-year-old goalkeeper has only made two competitive appearances during Scotland’s World Cup qualifying double-header against Greece and Denmark in November. He has yet to play for the Scottish Premiership leaders in a league game this year.

He told BBC Scotland, “Both of them wanted me to continue, so that undoubtedly improved the situation.”

Gordon and his family are “definitely discussing retirement,” but Gordon claims helping put an end to Scotland’s long search for a World Cup spot means the effort has “already been well worth it.”

The keeper, who started out at Tynecastle and returned in 2020, is currently back-up to Alexander Schwolow, 33, after missing the start of term due to injury.

He may seek a January loan to get some game time before the World Cup because of this. McInnes says he is content with the situation and that Gordon is eager to keep such an experienced player.

He remarked about a potential departure, “I’m not going to be pushing for it.” There is still a lot of time left in the season. I believe I’m only one step away from being given the chance to play here, and it will be my responsibility to do so.

We have a chance to really push ourselves in the second half of the season and see where it can lead. It’s therefore somewhat in the balance.

There is a lot to look forward to here, despite the fact that I can’t guarantee that it won’t happen. I still feel like a significant member of the squad.

I must be prepared and demonstrate to [McInnes] in training that I am ready to play if he does so. At this point, we are. More than that, nothing else is discussed.