Gordon pays tribute to Alexander's exploits

HEARTS goalkeeper Craig Gordon believes Gretna's Rowan Alexander must have been close to becoming manager of the year this season.

The little Dumfriesshire outfit have won the Second Division at a canter, reached today's Scottish Cup final, and in doing so, qualified for the UEFA Cup next season.

However, Gordon is determined to ensure their romantic association with the Scottish Cup ends at Hampden today. The Scotland internationalist said: "It has been an unbelievable season for Gretna and you can't take anything away from them.

"Their manager must have been very close to manager of the year and what he has achieved there - in such a short space of time - has been fantastic.

"But we don't want to keep their fairytale going. It's nice they have reached the UEFA Cup but that's really where we want their success to end this year."

Gordon is confident there will be no upset on the cards if his team-mates maintain the professional attitude which helped clinch a place in the Champions League qualifiers.

He told Hearts World: "

We have to be professional and apply ourselves in the same way we have the season. I'm sure, if we do that, then we will get a good result."

CHRIS ROBERTS

Taken from the Scotsman