It’s Nai surprise to old boss Moyes that he’s Scotland’s No.1 striker
BY EUAN McLEAN DAVID MOYES can’t understand why people are surprised Steven Naismith has been made Scotland’s first-choice striker.
The former Manchester United boss took the 32-year-old to the Premier League while in charge at Everton – and has followed the career of a guy he respects as a class act ever since.
Celtic hitman Leigh Griffiths led criticism of Scotland boss Alex McLeish for giving Naismith possession of the No.9 shirt.
But Moyes can’t see why anyone would question the striker – a key part of table-topping Hearts’ flying start to the league season – getting the nod when you consider the level he has played at.
Moyes said: “I’m surprised that people are surprised. Naisy is a brilliant pro and I think he was a bit unlucky at times during his career.
“I signed him at Everton and nearly got him to Sunderland but for him it was probably good that it didn’t happen that way when he was at Norwich.
“He’s wholehearted and a good pro who does things right. He’s a good ambassador for football with the things he does for good causes off the pitch.
“Scotland needs that and I don’t think we should necessarily neglect the boys who have got a little bit older.
“We still need them while we’re still trying to grow some of the younger players coming through.
“The likes of Naisy will help them greatly. He’s scored big goals against very good teams.”
After helping West Ham survive a relegation battle to stay in the Premier League, Moyes has been a man of leisure since his short-term deal at the helm of the Hammers expired in May this year.
Reports have linked him with the USA national team having been Stateside to watch them beat Mexico last week.
Yet he doesn’t rule out returning to Scotland one day to manage in his homeland and reckons the arrival of other high-profile managers from the English game have already made the Premiership more appealing.
He added: “Right now I’m itching for the right job but I wouldn’t say I’m desperate to get back in.
“I’d like to manage in Scotland. I’ve always thought I’d come back some day but, with respect, the best stuff is still down south.
“Working in England remains my preference but there’s no doubt the game’s profile has been boosted.”
David Moyes was speaking at a William Hill media event. William Hill is the proud sponsor of Saturday’s Ayr Gold Cup race.