Black Cats have heart to Hearts in Gordon's testimonial

DEREK McInnes is expecting a stern test this afternoon when Sunderland and Hearts salute Craig Gordon, stoking the Auld Enemy rivalry in the process.

- By NICK LOUGHLIN

The big Scot moved to Wearside for a then British record £9m fee for a goalkeeper in 2007, and the teams meet at Tynecastle today in his testimonial game.

He made 88 appearances for the Black Cats in five years, but injuries hampered his time on Wearside and he was released in May 2012.

Sunderland were a Premier League club then and, back in the top flight, McInnes said: “They've done remarkably well coming up from the Championship last year.”

Speaking to Hearts TV, he added: “They have a good level of player. There's a big crowd from the Sunderland end, and a good turnout from our supporters, and it's to honour big Craig who's served both clubs well, particularly our club.

“It’s a fitting game for him and it’s important for him and his family. From our point of view, it's a step up in quality from the games we've played, but it'll be a good test for us and a good indicator of where we're at.”