ROBBIE Neilson last night predicted that Craig Gordon can play on at the highest level for another four years after the Hearts captain earned his team a 0-0 draw against Hibernian at Tynecastle.
Gordon produced outstanding saves to deny Martin Boyle, Kyle Magennis and Kevin Nisbet goals in the cinch Premiership match in Gorgie and ensure honours finished even at the end of the 90 minutes.
The 38-year-old reclaimed his place in the Scotland side during the international break this month and played in all three Qatar 2022 qualifiers against Denmark, Moldova and Austria.
Neilson, whose side moved to within a point of top flight leaders Rangers after the stalemate with their Edinburgh rivals, is confident his 60-times capped skipper can retain his position in the national team.
"To be honest, if he stays injury free, I see him staying there for the next couple of years,” he said. “There are a couple of younger ones coming through but they are not at level Craig is at.
“He looks after himself and he's a great character. He's not got a lot of miles on the clock because he had an injury earlier in his career. I think Craig's got another two, three, maybe four years in him.
"It's just run of the mill from Craig, to be honest with you. We see it every day in training. When someone has a shot, I expect him to save it.”
Neilson added: "I thought it was a really good game, I actually enjoyed it. Sometimes as a manager you don't.
“There's a tinge of disappointment because we didn't manage to take a couple of really good chances, but again Craig Gordon made a few good saves, so all in all a really entertaining game.
"I think that's one of the reasons both teams are up there joint-second in the league. You know, Craig is an exceptional goalkeeper and Macey (Hibs keeper Matt) put in a great performance.”
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