After Hearts confirmed Craig Gordon will miss the rest of the season, Robbie Neilson has a decision to make.
The veteran keeper has gone under the knife after suffering a horrendous double leg break in a 2-2 with Dundee United at Tannadice on Christmas Eve. Who will replace him between the sticks isn’t the call Neilson has Zander Clark was signed for exactly this sort of situation in the short term. Long term, the plan was always for him to take on Gordon’s number one jersey.
What Neilson must do is pick a replacement captain. Gordon will of course remain club captain, but a leader on the park is key. But it’s not as if the Tynecastle boss is short of candidates. A number of the “leadership group” within the Jambos dressing room have worn the armband before, but injuries mean not all are guaranteed to be regulars in the team this season, while a more recent arrival has established himself as a strong candidate to take on the role.
Record Sport takes a look at the big characters in the Gorgie boys’ squad who are likely to be given the responsibility.
Craig Halkett
The big defender takes the armband whenever Gordon is unavailable, but was subbed off after two minutes during Saturday’s game with what appeared to be a knee injury. If he’s fit, is an obvious choice. Leads by example, communicates well and has been at the club a while now. Hearts’ main issue this season has been getting on the pitch, then keeping him on it for longer than a few minutes.
A big personality in the dressing room, Halkett will doubtless have a big role to play in Gordon’s absence whether he’s on the pitch or not. But having him at the back when the normally ever present behind him is missing for the rest of the season would be a massive boost.
Michael Smith
Mr Dependable for Hearts over the years and now their longest serving player. Experienced, unflustered and with a solid temperament, Smith can operate in a number of positions. Has been over the course during the low times and the successful ones.
Fitness can be an issue at times, but Smith is another strong character. Is out of contract at the end of the season, but has worn the armband plenty of times before and will likely be at the forefront of Neilson’s mind when picking a replacement.
Stephen Kingsley
An outstanding season last year, Kingsley has had a stop start campaign this time around due to injury. Another of the weekend fallen at Tannadice after suffering a concussion. Fitness issues plagued him at the start of the season but is generally a reliable member of the squad.
Popularity amongst fans is right up there given his displays since signing on a free transfer in 2020. Consistent and capable of producing match winning moments, is a player the rest look up to.
Peter Haring
After Halkett, is next to wear the armband when he and Gordon aren’t on the park. Another of the long termers with Smith, Haring is in with the bricks although is out of contract at the end of the season after penning a one-year extension last year.
However, has been missing from action since a painful concussion away at Aberdeen in October. The Austrian has been feeling the effects of it for some time so Hearts have been at pains to take their time with his return.
Robert Snodgrass
The capture of the 35-year-old former Scotland international was met with cautious optimism by fans, although some were on the fence after his first few games. Now he’s up to peak fitness however, the midfielder has been stellar in maroon.
An impressive range of passing and a wand of a left foot, Snodgrass has played a major role in Hearts catching up with Aberdeen in third. His influence on those around him has been telling, with Snodgrass cajoling and encouraging constantly, with Cammy Devlin in particular benefitting from his wisdom. With Halkett and Kingsley fitness doubts, is probably the favourite alongside Smith to fill in for Gordon.
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