CRAIG GORDON will turn 43 before the end of the calendar year.
But the veteran keeper might feel like he has unfinished business at Hearts.
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Gordon has enjoyed something of a late career revival.
He returned for a second spell at Hearts in 2020 after leaving Celtic where he’d lost his place as No1.
Gordon quickly re-established himself as first choice at Tynecastle before a devastating leg injury put his career in serious doubt.
He suffered that injury on Christmas Eve in 2022 but brilliantly fought back to return just over a year later in January 2024.
Upon his return, Gordon couldn’t unseat Zander Clark as Hearts No1 but he reclaimed the gloves this season and has been the club’s undisputed first choice.
He’s also re-established himself with the Scotland national team and was first choice during the recent Nations League campaign.
But amidst all that, there is uncertainty over what’s next for Gordon.
That’s because his contract at Hearts is about to expire in the coming weeks.
He penned a one-year extension back in early 2024 but that deal is now coming to its end.
Gordon was also forced-off injured early in the first-half of Sunday’s final game of the season against Kilmarnock.
Reports have suggested, however, that contract talks have taken place.
If he was to stay on, it would take Gordon beyond the age of 43 and would see him reach 25 years in senior football.
After the season came to a close yesterday, the keeper took to Instagram with a lengthy open letter to fans.
And within it, he appeared to hint that he might not be done yet as he vowed the club would “come back stronger” after a tricky campaign.
On Instagram, Gordon said: “Another season has been and gone.
“It fell way short of expectations. There were a few highlights along the way – some great results with Scotland against teams like Croatia, Portugal and Poland, but ultimately not enough to maintain group A status.
“Winning on penalties in Paisley, receiving 50 Scotland caps while playing for Hearts, becoming Hearts’ highest appearance holder in European competition, and reaching 300 appearances for the club.
“Milestones are great, but the success on the pitch was what I wanted more.
“This season was difficult in so many ways but as a group we weren’t good enough to bring the success this club and fan base demands.
“It’s over now and time to let this season go, rebuild and come back stronger. I know this club, and I know that will happen.“
Lawrence Shankland‘s contract at Hearts is also expiring.
And although he’s been persistently linked with a move away, his future could yet lie at Gorgie.
Ahead of new boss Derek McInnes being confirmed, Shankland said: “Time will tell on these things.
“The club have obviously made it known they would like to keep me on again and speak about a contract.
I’ll take my time with things — I’m in no real rush to make a decision.
“I don’t want to jump at anything at the minute.
“I need to discuss things with my representatives and my family as well.
“And if the club appoints a new manager, that’ll be somebody I’ll also need to have a conversation with.
“The last manager leaving maybe delayed things a wee bit for me.
“But I was always quite happy to leave it until the end of the season and just to get on with the football.
“I’ve been comfortable with the situation throughout this spell and the club has been the same way.
“There has been a lot of respect there between us and it’s appreciated.
“If Derek is confirmed as the new gaffer then I would need to speak to him.
“There are loads of things you need to think about — the stage you’re at, the next step you want to take.
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“If there’s a new challenge open to you then sometimes you want to take that on.
“I just need to look at what options I have and take it from there.”
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