CAPTAIN GORDON

CRAIG GORDON was yesterday handed the captain's armband at trouble-torn Tynecastle and insisted he is ready to lead Hearts to trophies.

The Jambo's and Scotland keeper has replaced sacked Steven Pressley as skipper after vice-captain Paul Hartley was overlooked by head coach Valdas Ivanauskas. Hartley was the subject of a disciplinary meeting on Thursday but Ivanauskas insisted Gordon, 23, had won the captaincy on merit and the decision had nothing to dowith the midfielder's situation.

Gordon did not speak to the media at Riccarton yesterday but later told the club website he was delighted at the appointment.

He said: "It is not something I thought I'd be doing at this stage of my career but it is something I will have to get used to very quickly.

"I will lead from the front with my performances.

"For many years I've said I want to win things. With now being captain, I would like to go up and lift a trophy on behalf of this club. This will be our aim for the rest of the season."

The new captain doesn't believe being a keeper should not be a hindrance to his new role.

He added: "You look back at the big trophies - there have been World Cups won with keepers as captain.

"There is Iker Casillas, who is captain of the Spanish national team. Dino Zoff was captain of Italy and Oliver Kahn of Germany. So I don't think it's a big thing."

Ivanauskas believes he has selected the right man. He said: "Craig possesses many of the key qualities required by a club captain, not least of which are strength of character and gaining the respect of fellow professionals.

"He is very professional on and off the field. His honesty and directness are qualities which enhance his relaxed yet totally focused view of his role when representing the club."

Meanwhile, former Hearts star Andy Webster was last night considering a return to the SPL.

Webster is being eyed by Celtic and Rangers and a host of English clubs after falling out of favour with Wigan boss Paul Jewell.

The Scotland star failed to make the squad for their midweek home defeat against Arsenal and is now looking seriously at the prospect of returning to Scotland to kick-start his career.

Taken from the Daily Record