Derek McInnes admits Hearts fortunate to have ‘magnificent’ Craig Gordon

Derek McInnes hailed Craig Gordon for coming in from the cold to produce a wonder save in stoppage time as William Hill Premiership leaders Hearts dug out their “best three points of the season” away to Dundee.

The Jambos eked out a 1-0 victory courtesy of Claudio Braga’s 27th-minute strike despite playing the entire second half with 10 men after goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow was sent off in first-half stoppage time for denying Tony Yogane a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

Scotland veteran Gordon was summoned from the bench for his first Jambos appearance of the season and, although not overly busy, the 43-year-old had to make a stunning save down to his left to claw out Emile Acquah’s header in the last moment of stoppage time as the Tynecastle side tightened their grip on top spot.

“I thought it was past him, I really did,” said manager 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 with his experience, know-how and ability at 43 years of age.

“Some keepers coming on cold like that, having not played a lot, you’d be a bit concerned. But like he was for Scotland, the experience is huge. The reflexes are first-class and that save was instinctive.

“He’s always been capable of that type of save, and to do it at that moment was magnificent.

“For me, that feels like the best three points of the season. I think a lot of people would have been questioning us at half-time, thinking this might be where Hearts run out of steam.

“Down to 10 men on a heavy pitch, everyone had to do one-and-a-half jobs, and everyone did it to the letter. I don’t think anyone could deny us the win, and the big moment was Craig’s save.

“There’s some really pivotal moments in a season and this feels like one. 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.”

McInnes had to deploy centre-back Jamie McCart at left-back as both Harry Milne and Stephen Kingsley picked up training-ground injuries but the manager is hopeful neither player will be out for any period of time.

Dundee boss Steven Pressley – a former Hearts captain – was disappointed to be denied a point by his old Scotland and Jambos team-mate Gordon.

“Even 11 v 11, I felt we were the better team within the game,” said Pressley, who was “disappointed” Hearts’ goal was allowed to stand after Cammy Devlin appeared to take the free-kick in the lead-up to it several yards away from where the infringement occurred.

“But equally, I thought they defended exceptionally well and made it very difficult for us to get the outcome we wanted, and then Craig had an exceptional save, a real top-class save.

“I think our performance deserved more than we got.”