Star Gordon is grounded

HEARTS BY PAUL KIDDIE

HEARTS star Craig Gordon today revealed how boss Craig Levein had the players focusing on tomorrow’s league clash with Aberdeen just a matter of minutes after their magnificent victory over Bordeaux in the UEFA Cup.

The ecstatic Gorgie stars had just returned to the dressing-room in the bowels of the Stade Chaban-Delmas on Thursday night having seen Mark de Vries’ 79th-minute strike clinch a famous triumph.

On the final whistle the squad acclaimed the thousands of fans who had made the journey to France and was in the mood to continue celebrations behind the scenes.

But while happy to see his players bask in the glory of their achievement, Levein, whose tactics in France had worked a treat, was quick to ensure their feet remained firmly on the ground with a trip to Pittodrie looming.

"The Aberdeen match could give us a big chance to open up a bit of a gap in third place which would be a big boost," said Gordon, who has been named in the Scotland Under-21 squad for next weekend’s European Championship play-off against Croatia.

"As soon as we got back into the dressing-room in Bordeaux the boss congratulated us on what was a great result but then told us we had to concentrate on the Aberdeen match straight away.

"Everybody knows it’s a tough game for us. Results haven’t been going their way recently and they will be determined to bounce back quickly.

"The win in Bordeaux was a historic result for the club and will do wonders for our confidence.

"It was fantastic to be involved in such a victory but it is Aberdeen we have to focus on now. The return leg against Bordeaux will be a massive game when it eventually comes along and is sure to be a sell-out and a great occasion for everyone. But for now we have to concentrate on picking up valuable points in the league."

Gordon has now played in Hearts’ last four matches since being handed his chance after the 5-0 hammering from Celtic at Parkhead, the Jambos having responded to that humbling experience in superb fashion with four straight victories.

"That’s four out of four for us now which has been great. I have come into the team and fortunately we have managed to get a few wins under our belt," he said. "That has helped me settle into the team but it is only four games and there are many more to play this season. I am not taking anything for granted as far as my position is concerned and I know one mistake could see me back on the bench.

"I am just enjoying the experience at the moment and hopefully that continues tomorrow at Aberdeen because after all, the SPL is our bread and butter."

The 20-year-old was handed his European debut by Levein in Bordeaux and responded with a superb performance between the sticks, the youngster conquering his nerves to produce a handful of top saves to help his side to a stunning victory. He is well aware, though, that the tie is far from finished.

"I was a bit nervous before the game," he said.

"I am only 20 and to be involved in something like that was incredible.

"It was a massive, massive game for us and everyone knew that. Everyone played so well but we knew before the match that we would all have to be on top of our game to win.

"That said, it is only half-time and we know the job is not done yet. Bordeaux are still in the tie and we are aware of that.

"It was a great night, though, and something I will never forget. It was a historic night for the club and in many ways you write yourself into the history books with that kind of win.

"In all I have played just six games for Hearts and to think of yourself as being in the club’s history books already is incredible.

"I could not have asked for more in my debut at this level. It all feels like a dream. It was a famous night for the club in Bordeaux and I can’t believe I have played my part. But we know it will count for nothing if we don’t complete the job at Tynecastle."

Gordon has displaced Finnish star Tepi Moilanen as the Jambos’ first choice but knows he can’t take the gloves for granted:

He said: "Tepi is breathing down my neck and I know that one good result doesn’t make a season and I have to try to live up to the performance from now on. I didn’t do anything wrong in France and, of course, I am delighted.

"I didn’t have much to do in the first 20 minutes but had lots to do in the second half and with every save the confidence grows.

"No-one expected us to get that result and we probably burst a few coupons. I cannot think of a better result for any team outside of the Old Firm in recent years. It was a great night for Hearts and Scottish football."

Taken from the Scotsman