Craig Gordon believes that when everybody in maroon sticks together then Hearts can be a force to be reckoned with.
The hugely influential goalkeeper has started the last two matches, becoming the Jambos’ record European appearance holder in the process.
Previewing tomorrow night’s big Europa League play-off tie against Viktoria Plzen, the goalkeeper has emphasised how big a part the fans play in proceedings and how he and his teammates know that improvements on the park can be achieved by pulling together.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Craig said: “We’ve made errors that we shouldn’t be making. That goes for probably most of the players. We can fix that. There is no bigger opportunity than tomorrow night.
“We know there are aspects of our game we need to improve on, individually and collectively. We’re working hard to do that. We worked hard to do that last season and we got our rewards, and I think if we continue to do that then this season will be the same.
“We do have a demanding fanbase and me, personally, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I like the demands that are on us, as players, and at this football club. It shows how much they want it and how much they want us to do well. It’s up to us to go out there and do everything that we can give them that success.
“It’s brilliant, here at Tynecastle. You do feel as if you have that extra man, that they really get behind the team. Even recently – Rosenborg, RFS – the atmosphere in those games where we’ve won the matches, the fans have been a huge part of that.
“We’re going to need them again tomorrow night. They’re going to be here in their numbers, I’m sure, they’ll pack the place out. Even if there are setbacks they’ll be there to pick us up.
“They did that in the Rosenborg game when we went behind but we still managed to come together and make sure we still got the result. That’s everybody, from the guys in the stands to that management team and the players; everybody pushing in the same direction.
“If we can have that togetherness and everybody sticking together, then that is when Hearts are at their best. If it’s not like that then that’s when things can wrong. When everybody is pulling together then we’re a force to be reckoned with.”
