GORD: I'LL RESTORE HEARTS

NEW skipper Craig Gordon has revealed he's been given total control of the Hearts dressing-room in a bid to salvage team spirit.

The Scotland keeper insists he'll put yesterday's bizarre axeing behind him to improve the mood in the Jambos squad and unite divisions between the Scottish and foreign players.

Gordon was left on the bench yesterday, apparently a slap on the wrist in the wake of his disciplinary hearing last Tuesday.

But the 23-year-old says he'll CONTINUE with the philosophies laid down by former captain Steven Pressley.

As Gordon geared up for the Boxing Day derby against Hibs he said: "The captaincy has brought extra responsibility - there's more to do.

"I've spoken to the guys about doing things slightly differently to improve the spirit - more nights out and doing things as a group.

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"It's widely accepted we had a problem with that earlier in the season but it's my job to sort it now.

"I'll meet with some senior players. We have to try - whether everybody is willing is another matter.

"Of course I've spoken to Elvis for advice. I didn't think there was anyone better to ask. We had been together a long time and I've learned a lot from him.

"I've taken it all on board and hopefully I can take some of his philosophies into my captaincy - I want to keep going what he started.

"I'd expect a text or call from Elvis on the eve of the Hibs game. I'm sure he'll be wishing us all the best.

"Improving team spirit won't happen overnight but everyone will work at it.

"Valdas Ivanauskas has given me complete control of the dressing-room."

Gordon is adamant he can follow in the footsteps of some of the world's greatest goalkeeping captains.

Craig said: "I don't think it's more difficult as a keeper.

There have been some great captains like Dino Zoff, Peter Schmeichel and Oliver Kahn.

"They are all great keepers who have been captains."

Taken from the Sunday Mail