Big call at Hearts puts 21 year old in the firing line as he justifies the decision

Big call at Hearts puts 21 year old in the firing line as he justifies the decision

 

The goalkeeper put in a fine display in the opening game against Rangers

One of the biggest decisions of Steven Naismith’s hitherto short managerial career was quietly justified on Saturday. Ahead of the new Premiership season’s opening fixture against Rangers, the Hearts head coach needed to choose between Zander Clark and Craig Gordon for his goalkeeper. Both are fully-fit, motivated internationalists eager to seize the No.1 position.

Clark was selected. He finished last season in good form before travelling to Germany as a Scotland understudy to Angus Gunn at Euro 2024. Reporting back to Riccarton in the middle of July left him short on time to re-establish himself at club level. Saturday’s teamsheet proved he had succeeded. That doesn’t mean he is Hearts’ permanent No.1, or that Gordon will spend this season clapping his gloves on the sidelines. It simply means Clark is the man in the team at the

Naismith explained in an interview with this newspaper last week that both men will play at different times throughout what will be a long and demanding campaign at Tynecastle Park. Picking Clark over Gordon indicates strong faith in the 32-year-old. Whether he remains in the starting line-up is largely down to his own performance levels. He started in fine fettle

Several important saves throughout the 0-0 draw with Rangers helped earn Hearts a point amid a creditable performance. Clark was swiftly down to his left to push Connor Barron’s left-footed 20-yard shot for a corner on 20 minutes. Then he stopped an effort from Cyriel Dessers before the best save of all in the second half. Tom Lawrence unleashed a 22-yard volley destined for the top corner, but Clark sprung high to his left for a right-handed touch over the crossbar.