Craig Gordon Q&A: Hearts landmark and Scotland No.1 song

The 41-year-old was also back wearing the captain's armband and spoke to the press in the aftermath of the win. Here is everything he had to say, as he discussed his first-half save, the battle with Zander Clark for the No.1 spot and the fans chanting 'Scotland's No.1'.

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Was it like the good old days with that save in the first half?

Yeah, I managed to see that one all the way so it was nice to get across and tip it over. I probably wasn't going to be overly busy in the game. It was just about keeping things tidy and making sure the guys in front were doing their jobs. It was nice to be back out there and play in that atmosphere with a crowd. I've played a few bounce games but that feels more real.

How special and satisfying was that after the last 12-13 months?

This is what I've been building towards. When something like that happens, you want to get back and play that first game. It's always been a target. I've been fit for a wee while now, training and playing bounce games. To get out there, hear the fans and be in a proper game is the one I've been missing.

Were there any butterflies?

Yeah, a little bit. You do all the preparation but I don't think you ever know you will go out there and perform. I felt I did everything I possibly could, the preparation has been great and I had a good week's training after the break. I felt ready but you just never know. Going out there, there is always that tiny little bit of doubt. It's great to get over the first game, do well and try to put some pressure on that position.

The manager said he can keep you and Zander happy, how will that work?

I don't know. That's up to him. All I can do is perform when given the opportunity. I did that on Saturday, I was happy with my contribution, now it's up to him. I'll try to play as many games as I possibly can between now and the end of the season. I've got a lot of competition there with Zander, who has been pretty good lately. It's up to us to put in the performances when called upon. If not, we know the other one is right there looking for that opportunity. It's a good battle. Me and Zander get on great.

Fans singing Scotland's No.1 at you again at the end...

I've not heard that for a while. It's just great to be back out there in a game with the fans there. I'd love to do that again at Tynecastle and have a full Tynecastle when I get back. An Edinburgh derby wasn't a bad one to come back to. It's certainly an experience when the fans are that close to the pitch with just a railing behind the goals. It was great to feel that atmosphere again. I really enjoyed it.

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When did you find out you were playing?

The manager spoke to me and Zander yesterday. With it being the cup and the first game back, I thought there might be an opportunity to play. The manager confirmed that yesterday when he spoke to us. Now we know the fight is on, so to speak. We will both try to do our best.

Were you aware you are the first Hearts player ever to play a competitive match in his 40s?

Yeah, I was. Thanks. I didn't play at all when I was 40, I just skipped straight to 41. It's a good record, another one, so let's see if we can make it 42.

What was flashing through your mind when Craigen whipped one into the top corner?

Just to keep everybody calm and relaxed. We had to keep playing and focus on ourselves. That can happen, especially in these cup games. Guys are going to have a go because this is their one chance. What a finish it was. It will probably be up there for goal of the round. We had to not let that knock us. I was trying to get around the team and keep everybody calm, focused on what we were trying to do. We tried to overpower and outrun the Spartans team towards the end.

How impressed have you been with Zander and how he handled the pressure?

Zander is an experienced goalie. He has been around a while now and played a lot of matches. He is well capable of dealing with that himself. We both know the situation and we are both desperate to play matches. We'll just see how it goes.

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How are you physically? Have you had to make modifications to the way you move?

No, not at all. I'm still training, trying to improve, but I've always done that. I don't feel anything. There is no pain, nothing is anything different. I'm a year older but that's about it. There's nothing in terms of the way I'm moving or what I'm doing around the goal that is any different. I'm still trying to be the same and improve as much as I can.

With just four or five months away, is Scotland and the Euros squad in your mind?

I just need to play games and, when I do, I need to play well. All I can do is focus on myself, train as well as I can, try to get in the team, perform to a high level, make sure I stay in the team and give the national manager something to think about as well.

Have you kept in touch with Steve Clarke?

No, not really. I spoke to him at the time of the injury and haven't really spoken since. He's got enough on his plate worrying about the guys who are in his squad. It's up to me. If I get in and play well enough, I'm sure there will be an opportunity [with Scotland]. If I don't, there are other guys capable of playing that position.