Craig Gordon has signed a contract extension, keeping him at Heart of Midlothian until 2025.

The 41-year-old joins Craig Halkett, Alan Forrest and Liam Boyce in penning a new deal. He could now finish his career at his boyhood club after returning to Tynecastle Park in 2020.

The goalkeeper is regarded as one of the club's finest academy products. He is closing in on 300 appearances across his two spells that have yielded a Scottish Cup trophy and the Championship title. Against The Spartans he became the first player to make a competitive appearance for the club in their 40s.

READ MORE: Craig Gordon: Hearts legend on his journey to master the art of goalkeeping

Hearts boss Steven Naismith hailed his former teammate for club and country as an influential figure who knows what it takes to be successful at Hearts.

“It’s great for everyone that Craig has extended his contract by another year," he told the club's official site. “Firstly, and most importantly, he’s a fantastic goalkeeper. I see him in training every day and he continues to put in unbelievable performances. To see him come back into the team against Spartans was a special moment.

“Secondly, he’s a leader. He’s an influential figure in the dressing room, someone who has played at the top level both domestically and internationally. Younger players look up to him, so to know that he will be at the club for another 18 months to not only compete for the No.1 jersey but pass on his knowledge to others is a massive thing for this club.

“He’s the type of character this club needs in order to keep progressing because he knows exactly what it takes to be successful.”

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

Gordon is currently playing backup to Zander Clark following his return from a double leg break which kept him out of action for nearly a year. He made his first appearance since the horrific injury at Dundee United last month in the Scottish Cup clash with The Spartans. He could start in the fifth-round clash on Sunday at Airdrieonians.

“Getting Craig’s immediate future sorted is another important piece of business for the club and I feel we’ve made good strides in terms of building towards what is shaping up to be another busy campaign next season," sporting director Joe Savage said.

“Craig is probably the most talented and well-known player to emerge from our youth system and for him to come back from a career-threatening injury and still be at the very top of his game is nothing short of remarkable, so it was a no-brainer to do what we could to keep him here.

“The hard work to keep our most valuable players will continue in the background as the coaching staff and first team continue to focus on their excellent form and securing European football.”