I’VE NAI IDEA
STEVEN NAISMITH admits he faces the prospect of being left in limbo this summer if his situation with Norwich is not resolved.
The Hearts loanee is loving life in Edinburgh but is unable to commit to extending his stay with the club at the moment.
It’s a waiting game for Naismith, who has 12 months to go on his deal at Carrow Road, to discover if his future lies with the Canaries or elsewhere.
He said: “It’s a frustrating position to be in because this situation is not totally in my hands.
“I am enjoying every minute at Hearts and being back in Scotland but there is nothing definitive I can say right now.
“I have a year left of my contract at Norwich and I have not had any conversations with them as regards to what they want to do.
“The general consensus is they are going to go with a younger squad next season and if that is the case then I would assume I am not in their plans.
“Hearts have made it clear that if there was the possibility to do something they would like to. I appreciate that and everything they have done for me.
“They have given me the chance to get back playing. My time at Hearts has been great.
“It is hard for me to commit to anything when I don’t know what Norwich want to do.
“I’m sure things will get sorted eventually. It’s a little frustrating as I have never been in this position before.”
But Hearts boss Craig Levein remains hopeful of keeping hold of Naismith along with fellow loanees Joaquim Adao, David Milinkovic and Demi Mitchell.
Levein said: “There are a number of the loan players I want to keep – Steven, Joaquim, David and Demi. The loan ones are more complicated but we have made some inroads.”
The Jambos travel to Dens Park for tomorrow’s clash with Dundee knowing victory would all but cement a top-six place in the Premiership.
Naismith was buoyed by the Jambos’ 3-0 win over Partick Thistle in their last outing but he is wary of the problems the Dark Blues could cause them.
Naisy said: “Over the last month we’ve had chances to secure that top-six spot and not quite managed to do it. The performance against Partick gave everyone a lot of confidence and we want to build on that.
“Dundee will be a difficult test for us. They are in a tough spot but I don’t think their results have reflected how well they have played this season.
“If we are not at our best at Dens Park there’s no doubt they have the ability to hurt us.”
Although Dundee are toiling in 10th place Levein believes former Jambos team-mate Neil McCann can steer them to Premiership safety and make progress next season.
Levein said: “If he can get through this season, another season, and do well then I think he’ll kick on.
“The beginning is the hardest bit, getting used to the whole thing and working everything out. Neil has done a good job.”
ANTHONY HAGGERTY