Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon insists he "wants to keep playing" as he continues his return from injury.

The Scotland international's contract is up at Tynecastle in the summer and he is keen to showcase that he can still perform at the highest level.

Gordon suffered a double leg break just under a year ago on Christmas Eve and recently returned to the bench for Steven Naismith's side against Rangers.

Speaking on BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, he said: "Hearts means so much to me and I want them to be successful whether I am in the team or not.

"I have loved every minute here and coming back for the second time. I want to continue that as we have got ourselves into a decent position at the start of this season and we want to put the hard work in, only only between now and January, but between now and the end of the season to make sure we are back in Europe again and trying to finish third.

"I still want to keep playing. I am out of contract in the summer so looking to do enough to make sure I am still playing football at the very highest level.

"The first chance that I get to go out there and play it will be up to me to go out and prove that I am worth that.

When asked about the backing from fans throughout the injury, Gordon insisted he wants to repay some of that good faith back.

"The focus from the very start was to show everyone I can come back and be just as good and not only that but to try and develop my game if possible," he continued.

"The learning never stops no matter how old you are. I want to come back and be the best I can possibly be.

"I am still working hard, doing all the stuff in the gym and trying to beat the other player's scores in tests.

"I am still doing alright at that so as long as I can maintain the standards in my training, then I do not see why not."