Craig Gordon reveals what Hearts penalty heroics relied on as veteran makes huge statement on Jambos' mentality

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Craig Gordon admits his first ever double save in a penalty shootout came down to GUESSWORK. But the Hearts hero is adamant nothing is being left to chance as the never-say-die Jambos look to end a 12-year wait to lift the Scottish Cup.Gordon went left then right to deny St Mirren's first two takers, Oisin Smyth and James Scott, as the Jam Tarts edged Monday’s pulsating fifth round ding dong in Paisley.

Now he hopes his heroics can inspire Neil Critchley’s side on a journey straight back to Hampden.The manager had his players practice from 12 yards the day before the trip to face Saints.

Gordon too studied the Buddies’ recent takers. But the veteran keeper was left to his instincts as Saints had subbed those players he had put the hours into researching by the time the shootout began.

It didn’t matter in the end as Gordon - a spot kick hero when Hearts beat Gretna in the 2006 final - came up trumps. Now a home quarter final tie against Dundee stands between them and a second successive Scottish Cup semi final at the national stadium.And Gordon, who made a string of crucial saves during the 120 minutes too, said: “I’ve saved a penalty in every shootout I've been in.