Hearts in safe hands, insists Niemi

HEARTS BY PAUL KIDDIE

HEARTS goalkeeper Craig Gordon is set to play in his first Edinburgh derby tomorrow - and has been tipped to pass the test with flying colours by former Gorgie No. 1 Antti Niemi.

The 20-year-old has come of age this season after ousting Tepi Moilanen as Craig Levein’s first choice between the sticks and he will cap a momentous few weeks when he lines up against the Hibees for the first time at Tynecastle.

Gordon earned his opportunity after the 5-0 thrashing from Celtic at Parkhead last month and has since repaid his manager’s faith in him with a string of assured displays, none more so than in the UEFA Cup win over Bordeaux in France.

It has been a steep learning curve for the youngster and his education will be furthered in the cauldron of the city showdown at Tynecastle, an occasion which Niemi, who made his debut for the Jambos in a 3-0 home derby defeat four years ago, insists the kid gloves will handle with his usual poise.

"I always knew Craig would get his chance in the first team and he has done well this season," he said.

"It has come as no surprise to me and I hope he can keep it going. It may be his first derby on Sunday but he is a laid-back kind of guy and has a good mentality for these types of games. The gaffer has given him a run of games and that will have done his confidence the world of good and he won’t be afraid to make mistakes, which we all do.

"I remember my first derby for Hearts but that was quite difficult as I had done just the one training session after signing from Rangers and couldn’t even shout at the players as I didn’t know all their names!

"I am sure Craig will be fine tomorrow. He has played for the Scotland Under-21s this week and these were big games in front of big crowds and the international experience will hold him in good stead.

"I also saw him play against Bordeaux in what was an absolutely brilliant team performance. He didn’t put a foot wrong, made some good saves and his confidence will be sky- high at the moment."

The form of Gordon has seen Niemi’s fellow-countryman Tepi Moilanen relegated to the bench but the Southampton star insists the beanpole stopper will be doing all he can to encourage his team-mate.

He said: "Tepi was very young when he played at senior level in Finland so he knows exactly what Craig is going through," he said.

"Tepi is a very modest individual and wouldn’t have regarded himself as automatic first choice. He will keep working hard and wait for his chance but as we do in the goalkeeper’s union, will try to help Craig as much as he can.

"I never did anything differently when preparing for derbies and I’m sure Craig will be the same. These games may mean a bit more to the players born and bred in Edinburgh but why do anything differently when things have been going so well?"

Gordon was gutted to see his Scotland Under-21 career come to a close with Tuesday’s controversial European Championship play-off exit at the hands of Croatia at Easter Road despite his clean sheet.

He admits, though, he does not have time to dwell on that crushing disappointment with the derby now uppermost in his mind.

He is set to fulfil a childhood dream when he runs out against the Hibees and he’s determined to mark the occasion with the right result.

"It is another massive game for us and I’m sure there will be a huge crowd inside Tynecastle tomorrow," he said.

"It was a disappointing result against Croatia at Easter Road and I don’t think you can make up for a poor result for your country by doing well at club level.

"They are two completely different things. I have not had time to dwell on the disappointment of not reaching the European finals with Scotland as I was straight back to training with Hearts in preparation for the game against Hibs. We’re all looking forward to it and are eager to get a good result.

"We have won five games on the bounce and we’re looking to take that run into the derby."

Niemi’s last derby appearance for Hearts came in last season’s memorable 5-1 demolition of the Easter Road outfit.

Hibs boss Bobby Williamson managed to record his first win in the fixture at the start of this season and the Finn is hoping his old club reasserts its position as the No.1 club in Edinburgh when the action gets under way tomorrow.

"Hearts will be looking for revenge after what happened the last time the teams met," he said.

"I have stopped making predictions about the results in derby but I am confident that Hearts will win this one.

"They are going into the game with five wins in a row under their belt and in any league that is good going.

"The fans are buzzing just now if Hearts can win their next games that would be an amazing week for them."

Taken from the Scotsman