After Hearts confirmed Craig Gordon will miss the remainder of the season, Robbie Neilson has a choice to make.
The veteran keeper has gone underneath the knife after struggling a horrendous double leg break in a 2-2 with Dundee United at Tannadice on Christmas Eve. Who will substitute him between the sticks isn’t the decision Neilson has Zander Clark was signed for precisely this kind of state of affairs within the brief time period. Long run, the plan was all the time for him to tackle Gordon’s primary jersey.
What Neilson should do is choose a substitute captain. Gordon will in fact stay membership captain, however a frontrunner on the park is essential. But it surely’s not as if the Tynecastle boss is in need of candidates. Quite a lot of the “management group” throughout the Jambos dressing room have worn the armband earlier than, however accidents imply not all are assured to be regulars within the crew this season, whereas a more moderen arrival has established himself as a robust candidate to tackle the function.
File Sport takes a take a look at the massive characters within the Gorgie boys’ squad who're prone to be given the accountability.
Craig Halkett
The massive defender takes the armband each time Gordon is unavailable, however was subbed off after two minutes throughout Saturday’s sport with what gave the impression to be a knee damage. If he’s match, is an apparent selection. Leads by instance, communicates nicely and has been on the membership some time now. Hearts’ important challenge this season has been getting on the pitch, then maintaining him on it for longer than a couple of minutes.
A giant character within the dressing room, Halkett will likely have a giant function to play in Gordon’s absence whether or not he’s on the pitch or not. However having him on the again when the usually ever current behind him is lacking for the remainder of the season can be a large enhance.
Michael Smith
Mr Reliable for Hearts over time and now their longest serving participant. Skilled, unflustered and with a strong temperament, Smith can function in various positions. Has been over the course through the low instances and the profitable ones.
Health might be a difficulty at instances, however Smith is one other sturdy character. Is out of contract on the finish of the season, however has worn the armband loads of instances earlier than and can probably be on the forefront of Neilson’s thoughts when choosing a substitute.
Stephen Kingsley
An impressive season final 12 months, Kingsley has had a cease begin marketing campaign this time round as a result of damage. One other of the weekend fallen at Tannadice after struggling a concussion. Health points plagued him initially of the season however is usually a dependable member of the squad.
Reputation amongst followers is correct up there given his shows since signing on a free switch in 2020. Constant and able to producing match successful moments, is a participant the remainder look as much as.
Peter Haring
After Halkett, is subsequent to put on the armband when he and Gordon aren’t on the park. One other of the lengthy termers with Smith, Haring is in with the bricks though is out of contract on the finish of the season after penning a one-year extension final 12 months.
Nevertheless, has been lacking from motion since a painful concussion away at Aberdeen in October. The Austrian has been feeling the results of it for a while so Hearts have been at pains to take their time along with his return.
Robert Snodgrass
The seize of the 35-year-old former Scotland worldwide was met with cautious optimism by followers, though some have been on the fence after his first few video games. Now he’s as much as peak health nevertheless, the midfielder has been stellar in maroon.
A powerful vary of passing and a wand of a left foot, Snodgrass has performed a serious function in Hearts catching up with Aberdeen in third. His affect on these round him has been telling, with Snodgrass cajoling and inspiring consistently, with Cammy Devlin specifically benefitting from his knowledge. With Halkett and Kingsley health doubts, might be the favorite alongside Smith to fill in for Gordon.
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