Neil Critchley was certainly not ruling out the possibility of Hearts legend Craig Gordon being offered a new contract with the club.
Gordon turns 42 on New Year’s Eve but is still established as both Hearts and Scotland’s No1 goalkeeper after remarkably recovering from a double leg break last season.
He made his 300th Hearts appearance against Heidenheim in the Europa Conference League a couple of weeks ago and he could be handed the chance to rack up many more games for his beloved club beyond 2025.
His current contract expires at the end of the season but Critchley teased an extended deal, suggesting that if he keeps performing at a high level, there’s no reason why he couldn’t be given one.
Craig Gordon for new Hearts contract?
Critchley told Sky Sports ahead of playing Celtic on Saturday: “People will obviously reference his age, but age is just a number. When you look at him play, you think he’s a lot younger than he is.
“He’s a great person first and foremost, the way he represents this football club on a daily basis and the way he conducts himself.
“And I’ve learned a lot off him in this short space of time. He might not think he has but I have. He’s a great person to be around.
Critchley was then asked if Gordon could be rewarded with a new contract soon. The boss laughed and replied: “That’s not for me (to decide). But yeah, your performances do your talking for you.
“And at the moment, he is our number one and he’s Scotland’s number one so the rest might take care of itself.”
Critchley reacts to Jamestown Analytics deal
Asked by Sky Sports about Hearts linking up with Jamestown Analytics after a deal was confirmed for the club to use the company’s infrastructure, Critchley said: “Hopefully it gives us an advantage in the future.
“It’s quite exciting. They are quite selective on clubs that they work with and to have chosen Hearts I think says a lot about the football club.
“It’s been part of our planning for games and I know it’s now playing a prominent part in our recruitment going forward.”