Gordon rested as Jam Tarts bank on Steve

CRAIG GORDON is set to be given a well-earned breather against Alloa tomorrow night after his heroics on Sunday.

The Hearts keeper was hailed as one of the best in Europe by boss Valdas Ivanauskas after pulling off a stunning double save in the 1-0 win at Fir Park.

Gordon ensured all three points would be heading back to the Capital when he denied Keith Lasley and Jim Paterson in the dying minutes of the game. However, he is expected to be rested for the CIS Cup trip to Recreation Park, handing reserve keeper Steve Banks his first start of the season.

Assistant coach John McGlynn admitted Hearts will yet again make a number of changes to their starting line-up and are expected to field almost an entirely different side to the one which faced Motherwell.

He said: "Craig has played a number of games already this season in the SPL, in Europe and for Scotland so we feel he could do with a wee rest. It gives Steve Banks the opportunity to come in and get some competitive action, which is important for him and for us. You never know what might happen in terms of Craig picking up an injury or suspension so it's an ideal opportunity for Steve to come in and show what he can do and get 90 minutes of first-team football under his belt."

Meanwhile, McGlynn hailed the team spirit which got Hearts back to winning ways at Fir Park but warned his players they still have some way to go if they are to reach the heights of last season.

He was delighted with the grit and determination which saw the Tynecastle side record their first win in over four years at Fir Park, although he admitted that it hadn't been too pleasing on the eye for supporters. McGlynn added: "It might not have been too pretty but the boys all fought for one another and that can make all of the difference.

"Getting the three points was everything for us on Sunday.

"Obviously Celtic and Rangers play one another this weekend and so we know that something has got to give there."

Taken from the Scotsman