Craig Gordon says the chance to be part of a "project" convinced him to rejoin Hearts on a two-year contract, after rejecting a new deal with Celtic.

The goalkeeper, 37, was offered reduced terms to extend his six-year spell at Parkhead, but wants to play regularly to try to add to his 54 Scotland caps.

And the lure of playing each week at Hearts was too tempting to turn down.

"Playing football for me is the main thing; getting the opportunity to play games," Gordon told BBC Scotland.

"I feel as good now as I did five years ago and I just want to get out there and achieve. I've managed to win medals and be successful and I want to continue that. I feel like here there is a project just starting."

Gordon made just six appearances for Celtic last term, with Fraser Forster being Neil Lennon's preferred goalkeeper.

Unless Hearts' legal challenge to their relegation from the top flight is successful, he will be playing in the Championship next season, with the campaign starting in October.

Gordon began his career with the Tynecastle club, making 100 appearances before signing for Sunderland in 2007.

During that spell he played alongside new Hearts manager Robbie Neilson.