Debut – now I want to fight my way into his squad

do. Every older professional has told me I should play as long as possible because the day will come when you can’t do it any more.

“That’s unique to this job in many ways. A footballer’s career is shorter and I definitely have the drive.”

Naismith’s leveller in midweek ensured Hearts remained ahead of a resurgent Killie as the sides battle for a top-six berth.

They are also looking forward to a clash against Motherwell in the last-eight of the Scottish Cup as they attempt to book a Hampden semi-final for the first time since they lifted the trophy in 2012. And Naismith hopes to play his part in a grandstand finale to the campaign.

The former Rangers and Everton frontman said: “First of all we are still in the Scottish Cup and as you get to the later rounds it’s definitely up for grabs for any team still involved.

“Fortunately I have managed to win it once and it would be really nice to finish the season with something like that.

“Also in the league we need to keep pushing as hard as we can.

“The expectations and demands are high at a club like Hearts and in the majority of Premiership games you need to go in fancying yourselves as the dominant team.

“But on the flipside we do need to remember where the club were only a couple of years ago. The progression has been great.”

Naismith concedes his future remains shrouded in uncertainty, despite a lucrative deal until the summer of 2019 at Norwich.

He said: “It is tricky at the moment with me having another year left and they’ll have a big part in what happens with me.

“But I’ve enjoyed every minute of being at Hearts and I’ll look at all my options going forward.”