Hearts' gloved superhero pulls off moment to match Sunderland gasps and strengthen Scotland case

Well, in the case of Gordon, who some imagined might need to go out on loan until the end of the season for the sake of his World Cup ambitions, it seemed a remote possibility. Alexander Schwolow had firmly established himself as Hearts’ No. 1.

Although Gordon had recently made noises about feeling he’d get a chance soon, perhaps in this weekend’s Scottish Cup clash v Falkirk, it looked like he might have to maintain a watching brief as Schwolow excelled while simply hoping Steve Clarke retained trust in him for North America. But then again, the 43-year-old’s career has been one long glorious response to those writing him off. He’s been around long enough to know to keep himself primed for action and when Schwolow was sent off on the stroke of half-time with Hearts one up against Dundee, the veteran clocked back on. Get the cape, or in his case the gloves. It’s time for Scottish football’s superman.

By the end of his 49-minute cameo, he’d pulled off a stop to sit alongside one Gordon made for Sunderland against Bolton Wanderers in 2010 and which was officially recognised as the greatest save of the decade in England’s Premier League.

In fact, some would argue, including this writer, that this stop, from Dundee substitute Emile Acquah right at the death, was even better. It certainly might prove more significant if Hearts end up winning the league by 0ne or two points.

The visitors were playing with five centre halves – all excellent - by this time and in full ‘protect what we have’ mode. What they had was a one-nil lead provided by Claudio Braga’s controversial strike after 27 minutes. In fact, where to even begin on an afternoon of drama at Dens.

As Hearts manager Derek McInnes noted, what emerged as the match-winning goal felt “like an eternity ago” by the time he was speaking to reporters afterwards. A lot had happened in between times, including Schwolow’s red card moments before the interval.

McInnes was almost at the tunnel on his way in when it emerged that there might need to be a bit more football played. Dundee winger Tony Yogane had been set free by an Ash Hay head flick and although flagged for offside, it later became apparent that he was just on by the tightest of margins. A VAR review was required because Schwolow had upended the Dundee winger a yard or so outside his box. A possible red card? Referee Ryan Lee was called to the monitor. McInnes made his way back up the touchline in the knowledge that his half-time talk was now likely to have a very different theme.

Gordon makes his appearance

Schwolow was duly shown the red for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity and Gordon, already warming up in expectation that this would be the decision reached, entered the fray for his first competitive outing since that glory night v Denmark in November. He was immediately called upon to beat away Cameron Congreve’s net-bound free-kick as Hearts made it to half-time still in front.

There was, though, a long time still to go with ten men. Braga made way for Gordon with the hope that the winger had already done enough to secure the points. No one will convince Dundee fans that his goal should have stood.

Cammy Devlin had taken a quick free kick in his own half. Dundee complaints ranged from the fact the ball was still moving to the set-piece being taken at least ten yards from where the foul had occurred. Yogane had thrown the ball back to Devlin a little naively rather than nudging it somewhere for him to fetch it. Unready Dundee were speared through their middle. Lawrence Shankland transferred the ball to Braga, who still had much to do. He took a touch and shot into off the post into the net. The shot was made even more unsavable by having gone through Billy Koumetio’s legs in front of goalkeeper Jon McCracken.

Michael Steinwender replaced Jordi Altena at half-time to provide a little more height at right back. He was also tasked with stopping the rampant Yogane, who had twisted Altena’s blood in the first half. He did the same to a few opponents in the second half but to no avail. Frankie Kent, a fifth centre-half, was sent on for winger Alexandros Kyziridis after 70 minutes as McInnes sought to shore the backline up further. This change was in direct response to Dundee bringing on Simon Murray for Finlay Robertson as an extra attacker.

McInnes explained that he wanted to pack the defence and ensure Dundee had to continue playing around their opponents. Finding space in behind was proving difficult. Half-chances came and went.

When Gordon grabbed the ball following another Dundee sortie, the cry went up from the away end, not for the first time: “Scotland, Scotland’s Number One!” There were 89 minutes on the clock. The Hearts fans clearly felt the danger had passed. The ten men of Gorgie had held on. But as any manager will tell you, there’s always time for one more chance.

Eyebrows were raised at the relatively measly allotment of three minutes added time. But Dundee still managed to create their best opportunity since a header from Billy Koumetio had been well saved by Schwolow in the opening moments of the match. More teasing wing play from Congreve saw him whip in a cross that was headed goalwards by Acqua, who had only just come on for Drey Wright.

Gordon had to change direction to leap to his left to claw the ball back off the line with the strongest of strong hands. Let’s just agree that he plays in the World Cup now, shall we?