Craig Gordon has taken a huge step towards returning to first-team action for Heart of Midlothian after a long-term injury.

The 40-year-old has been out of action since suffering a double-leg break against Dundee United at Tannadice on Christmas Eve. He has recently returned to first-team training after a long rehab process and appeared in a behind closed doors friendly this week.

Gordon pulled on the gloves for 45 minutes against Spartans at Tynecastle Park as he revealed to Hearts TV.

"It's about nine-and-a-half months since that day I broke my leg," he said. "It has been a long time coming. It's been difficult at different periods of the rehab but great to get back out there. Especially the first game back to be at Tynecastle. I know there are no fans there but to get back out on that pitch, it is pretty special, always.

"Being in the changing room, getting changed and going back out onto a stadium pitch is whatI've been wanting to do."

Gordon confirmed he will take a couple of days off to recover before returning to training in a bid to get more minutes with a big spell coming up for the first-team with games against Celtic, Rangers and Livingston in the league, as well as Rangers in the Viaplay Cup semi-final.

READ MORE: Hearts legend Craig Gordon on his quest to master goalkeeping