Craig Gordon hurting from Euro 2024 omission but Hearts veteran can create more history

Steven Naismith has backed Craig Gordon to bounce back from his Euros disappointment by shattering more records for Hearts.

Gordon, 41, was left devastated earlier this month after being told he wouldn't be involved with Scotland during this summer's tournament in Germany. Gordon and Rangers star John Souttar were left behind as Steve Clarke named his 26-man squad to take to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Gordon had set his sights on making the tournament after recovering from a year-long lay-off with a double leg break but the veteran shotstopper narrowly missed out, with Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly and Zander Clark being chosen as the three keepers instead.

Jambos boss Naismith knows the 41-year-old will be hurting from the setback but reckons Gordon will use the disappointment to fuel him for the new season. Gordon has 22 European appearances to his name for the Tynecastle club and another outing in continental competition would put him above anyone else in the club's history.

And Naismith told the Edinburgh Evening News: "It's really tough for him. Steve mentioned in the media that it was a tough conversation. Craigy has worked all year to try and get there. He had his moments and triggers wanting to do this, this and this when he got back. The biggest one ultimately was to get to the Euros. For that not to happen is going to be a blow. I don't care who you are, it's not a nice conversation to have. Then the reality sets in that you are not going to be there.

"I think Craig will take some time to reflect and then to get over that disappointment. He probably has more experience than anybody I know to get over a disappointment. On top of that, he has other things to do. He's got the European record at Hearts which he will want to try and surpass. He is still feeling in really good condition, he is still training and playing like he was before.

"Given the time he has missed in his career through injury, he will want to play as long as his body is feeling good. From my own experience, that moment comes when you know you don't feel it. Craigy has looked great. He has worked extremely hard to get back after that bad injury and there are definitely areas where he will want to push on to try to break different records and be successful."