Harmony is key for Jambos after Levein sacking says Naismith

STEVEN Naismith believes harmony at Hearts is key as the club continues its search for a new manager on the back of Sunday’s 3-0 Betfred Cup semi-final drubbing by Rangers.

The build-up to the game at Hampden Park was dominated by the sacking of Craig Levein on Thursday after just one win in 11 Ladbrokes Premiership matches left the Jambos second bottom of the table and fans increasingly angry.

Assistant Austin MacPhee was installed as caretaker but his game plan for the semi-final needed to be reassessed when Gers defender Filip Helander broke the deadlock with a strike just before half-time. Colombia striker Alfredo Morelos then bagged a brace after the break to take his tally to 20 for the season and seal Rangers’ spot in the final.

Naismith, 33, who returned from a long-term hamstring injury as a second-half substitute, said: “Everyone who has an interest in the club, a love for the club, all want the same thing.

“There has been a lot of frustration and anger over the last t wo or t hree months.

“But if everyone takes a step back, looks at what the fans put into the club, look what the board and Ann (Budge, owner) have done for the club, and us as players now have to show what it means to be at the club for the rest of this season and beyond.”

Naismith believes that whoever is appointed manager has a strong squad at his disposal.

“The gaffer was unfortunate with injuries over the last year,” said the former Rangers and Everton man.

“Arguably his five most important players have been out at the start of the season so, inevitably, whoever comes i n will inherit these boys coming back to fitness and it is a strong position to be in.”

Steven Naismith returned from injury on Sunday.