CRAIG: EVEN I WAS STUNNED

HEARTS hero Craig Gordon confessed even he was surprised when he denied Dundee at the death on Sunday with a wonder save.

- BY NEIL ROBERTSON

The Premiership table-toppers were leading at Dens Park deep in stoppage time thanks to Claudio Braga’s first-half goal when the home side launched one last attack in a bid to find an equaliser.

Gordon, who had come off the bench just before halftime after Jam Tarts keeper Alexander Schwolow was sent off, was playing his first competitive game since that glory night for Scotland against Denmark in November.

The 43-year-old had already made a couple of good saves to deny Dundee but kept his best for last as he pulled off a stunning stop that may yet prove pivotal in Hearts title charge.

Dark Blues sub Emile Acquah sent a powerful downward header towards goal and, as it skipped off the turf, the striker was already starting to celebrate - but Gordon dived full stretch to his left to claw the ball away and secure the vital victory for Derek McInnes’ men.

Chants of “Scotland's No.1” rang out from the away end with the veteran goalie in no doubt about how highly he rated his spectacular stop.

Gordon said: “I think it’s as good a save as I've made - I surprised myself when it stayed out!

Could it be one of the biggest saves in my career? Possibly.