Image source: bbc.com
Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon has dismissed speculation about a January loan move despite limited playing time this season, stating he remains committed to the Scottish Premiership leaders and believes he is just one step away from reclaiming his place in the starting lineup.
Craig Gordon Rules Out Pushing for Hearts Loan Move Despite Limited Minutes
The 43-year-old goalkeeper has yet to make a league appearance for Hearts this season, with his only two competitive outings coming during Scotland’s World Cup qualification matches against Greece and Denmark in November. Gordon currently serves as backup to Alexander Schwolow after missing the start of the campaign through injury, leading to speculation about a potential loan move to secure regular football ahead of the World Cup.
Gordon revealed that summer conversations with Hearts manager Derek McInnes and Scotland boss Steve Clarke proved crucial in his decision to continue playing for another season. “Both of them wanted me to continue, so that certainly helped the situation,” Gordon told BBC Scotland. “That made it a little bit easier to know that there was the club and the national manager still wanting me available for selection for another year.”
The veteran keeper admitted retirement was “definitely under discussion” with his family but says helping Scotland end their long wait for World Cup qualification has made the effort to stay in shape “already been well worth it.” Gordon, who began his career at Tynecastle and returned in 2020, acknowledged that while he cannot guarantee he will not leave on loan, he sees plenty to look forward to at Hearts.
Gordon emphasized his contentment with his current situation despite the lack of first-team opportunities. “I’m not going to be pushing for it,” he said regarding a possible January departure. “There’s still a lot of time left in the season. I feel that I’m just one step away from getting an opportunity to play here, and then it’ll be up to me to try and take that.” The goalkeeper confirmed McInnes does not want him to leave on loan and stressed his focus remains on proving his readiness in training when opportunities arise.
