'Past him': Agog Hearts boss Derek McInnes purrs over extraordinary Craig Gordon after pivotal win

A dramatic afternoon at Dens Park saw the Premiership leaders emerge with the three points despite having goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow sent off on the stroke of half-time for pulling down winger Tony Yogane. Gordon was summoned from the bench and saved the resultant free kick from Cameron Congreve. He saved the best for last, however, when he somehow managed to claw substitute Emile Acquah’s goal-bound header off the line in the fourth minute of time added on at the end.

Like everyone else, McInnes was agog at the 43-year-old’s reflexes. Gordon hasn’t played at all for Hearts this season although he has played four times for Scotland. The veteran’s last taste of competitive action of any sort was the triumphant World Cup qualifier against Denmark in November, when Steve Clarke’s side scored three of the finest goals you’ll see.

Gordon’s save from Acquah deserves to be placed in the same category when it comes to stops. “I thought it was past him, I really did,” said McInnes. “I think it beats the majority of keepers. It would have been harsh on us considering how well we defended, but obviously we’re fortunate to have Craig – his experience, know-how and ability at 43 years of age. I think he’ll always make those saves for as long as he keeps going.

“There’s a lot of motivation for him this season with the World Cup and wanting to stay part of something special here at Hearts. But to get up every morning at that age, go to work, diet properly, throw yourself about a training pitch and still be ready – that says everything about him.”

Along with five, yes five, centre-halves, Gordon helped Hearts hold out for what felt like a hugely significant victory. Claudio Braga's controversial first-half goal - Dundee complained the ball was still moving at a free-kick at the start of the move, and it was taken from the wrong place - maintains the Edinburgh side's three-point lead at the top from Rangers and extends the gap to six from Celtic.

‘That’s the best one yet’

“I do think that there's some really important three points, some really pivotal moments in a season and this feels like one to be honest,” said McInnes. “It really does feel like one and I think that we've had some really good afternoons, some brilliant away day trips and some big performances but it does feel like that's the best one yet for loads of reasons.”

Hearts were dealt a blow in the run-up to the game when both let-back pair Harry Milne and Stephen Kingsley picked up niggling injuries in training. It meant Jamie McCart came in for his first start of the season out of position on the left side of a back four and directly up against Dundee danger man Cameron Congreve.

“Like everyone this week, the weather’s been challenging,” said McInnes. “We only trained once on grass on Friday at Tynecastle because the pitches were frozen. We trained indoors at Oriam, and I always feel astro increases injury risk.

"Harry twisted his ankle innocuously – just lost his footing. The scan didn’t look great, but Harry said he felt fine. He ran yesterday and felt okay, but we didn’t want to risk making it worse. He’ll see a specialist tomorrow and hopefully it’s not anything serious. He was desperate to be involved.

"With Stephen Kingsley, we were practising set plays and he felt something in his groin on his second last one. He’s frustrated and we’re frustrated. I spoke to Jamie before he left just to be ready, and thankfully we had him.

“Jamie McCart deserves huge credit,’ he added. “He wasn’t playing in his natural position, came up against Congreve – arguably one of Dundee’s best players – and dealt with it brilliantly. His experience was vital. It’s not often both your left-backs are out, but thankfully we had Jamie.”

Dundee manager Steven Pressley rued former teammate Gordon’s continued excellence. “I've obviously seen it back,” he said. “An exceptional save, a real top-class save. I think it says everything you need to know about the individual. He's been sitting on the sidelines for a long time.

"He's been called on. And he reacts in typical fashion, like he's been a constant in the team. I am really disappointed because I think for everybody you can see the progress the players are making. You can see the confidence in the team. Our performance deserved more than we got.”