NEILSON QUERIES GORDON DIAGNOSIS

Hearts defender Robbie Neilson claims goalkeeper Craig Gordon did not appear "unwell" before the Bank of Scotland Premier League win at Dundee United.

The Jambos captain was left on the bench as Paul Hartley scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in the 55th minute.

However, after flanking ex-skipper Steven Pressley as he publicly criticised the regime at the club under majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov in October, Gordon appeared at an internal disciplinary hearing earlier this week.

Hearts head coach Valdas Ivanauskas insists the 23-year-old was left on the bench in favour of Steve Banks due to illness.

But his Tynecastle team-mate could see no evidence that the Scotland international was unwell.

Neilson told the Sunday Mail: "We only found out Craig was not playing at 1pm when Valdas read out the team and it was a big shock to us.

"Craig did not look ill. I don't think he was.

"Craig is keeping his cards close to his chest - he is that type of guy and does not let much out.

"It is a sensitive situation. We are in the dark and do not know what is going on.

"But Craig will want to get it sorted this week and we all hope he will be back for the Hibs game on Tuesday.

"Steve Banks was man of the match against United but Craig is our number one and one of the best keepers in Britain, if not Europe."

Taken from sportinglife.com