Craig aiming for England

PAUL KIDDIE

HEARTS goalkeeper Craig Gordon today revealed he is happy to extend his contract at Tynecastle - but insisted his ultimate goal is to play in the English Premiership.

The highly-rated 22-year-old still has another two years of his current agreement left to run but talks over a new deal are already underway.

The Gorgie star has established himself as his country's No.1 and he underlined his class with an outstanding performance in Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Italy at Hampden Park, Scotland being denied a famous victory after a deflected equaliser from second-half substitute Fabio Grosso 15 minutes from time.

Speaking about his future for the first time since opening discussions with the club over a contract extension, the youngster insisted he is happy to continue his footballing education at Tynecastle before following in the footsteps of former team-mate Antti Niemi to pursue a career south of the Border.

"We are talking just now and I think it's just a case of finding the right time to do it as there is a willingness on both sides," he said.

"Hopefully if it does happen, things don't take too long to get sorted out and we can get it done and dusted.

"I don't want the situation to drag on and hopefully we can complete things efficiently."

He added: "I want to play in the Premiership in England. But I am only 22 and playing first team football for Hearts and that has given me the basis to form an international career. I have got a lot to thank Hearts for and it's important I try to keep up my performances at club level."

Boss George Burley has already stressed that Gordon has all the attributes to go on and grace the game's biggest stages and he was at the National Stadium at the weekend to see his keeper stand tall against the mighty Azzurri.

"I thought Craig did very well against Italy," he said. "He is growing in confidence all the time and was very assured at Hampden.

It's important that, at the age of 22, he keeps learning and he knows he still has a bit to go.

"But, even in the few months I have been at Tynecastle, I have noticed an improvement.

"The club is talking to him at the moment but as with most contracts, things tend to take a wee bit of time."

Gordon shrugged off a hand injury to star against the Italians, the keeper having been sent for an X-ray on Friday after hurting the little finger of his left hand in training. "I had an X-ray to make sure the finger wasn't broken and thankfully it was only swelling so I had it taped up and it was fine," he said. "It was just disappointing to lose a goal from a set piece as we worked hard on defending them."

Taken from the Scotsman