Heart of Midlothian head coach Steven Naismith is facing big decision in the not-so-distant future. Does Craig Gordon come back into the starting XI when fully fit?

The club legend has not played a competitive game of football since a double leg break suffered on Christmas Eve, only a week short of his 40th birthday, against Dundee United. He recently took a big step in his return to action with a 45 minute run out in a friendly with The Spartans at Tynecastle Park during the international break.

More bounce games are expected, both for him and Craig Halkett who has been out after also suffering a serious injury in the draw at Tannadice. In the meantime, Zander Clark will continue to deputise between the sticks, as he has done so to a high standard. The former St Johnstone goalkeeper finally made his Scotland bow during the week against France. He has one of the better records in the league with regards to goals prevented.

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

Yet, the assumption has been Gordon will be restored to the starting line-up once fully fit. An assumption that is not a slight on Clark but more because it is Craig Gordon.

"I don't think it can be," Naismith said when asked if it is a clear cut decision. "Craigy played in his first game last week which was great for him but he's still got that next stage to go where it is the continuous training everyday, as many games as we can get him. That's going to determine whether he is fit enough and at the level to be No.1.

"It is not the case Craigy comes back and slots straight back in because he has been out a long time out and needs to come back, work hard and be ready when that opportunity arises."

As ever, the goalkeeper situation is unique within football. Outfield players can be eased back into action with minutes off the bench. A goalkeeper needs to be 100 per cent.

When decision time arrives, even if it is a difficult one to make, Naismith is prepared to make it after discussions with goalkeeper coach Paul Gallacher, his coaching staff and the player himself.

“The whole time I have taken the team I have been honest with every player and that will be the same here," he said. “I am not going to make a decision based on perception or anything I am not comfortable with.  I will make the call, like I do with every player every week. I understand the parameters around it.

"It is not a case of putting a goalie in and then thinking I might change home next week.  I understand what that creates. I understand that throwing a goalie who has been out for a long time straight in comes with the question: is he ready or is he not? And when the time comes I will make the decision that I feel is right for us. The one that I feel is the best decision for us."

He added: "Gall will play a part and a big part will be Craig. We will ask him how he is feeling as well. We spoke about the target he has got and he is not going to jeopardise that by trying to rush back by saying he is ready when he is not and it can all break down from there. So we will take all the information we need and I will make the decision."

READ MORE: Hearts injury update - Who is out and when willl they return

When both goalkeepers are fully fit, Naismith is in the envious position of having not just two but three international goalkeepers to choose from with Michael McGovern also an option. For Clark and Gordon there will be the carrot of Euro 2024 and a place in Steve Clarke's squad for Germany.

"Craigy's an unbelievable goalie and who has had adversity in terms of his injury and what he'd had to do at his age and doubts," he said. "To see him now is unbelievable, how quick he has come back and how confident he has come back.

"[Zander] has come and grown. He's a leader, an experienced player. He's relished the opportunity and that's why he has been in the international team. For every individual they've got their aims and have to fight tooth and nail to make sure they are on that plane."

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