Naismith’s time with Hearts may be over after two-game ban
STEVEN NAISMITH may have played his final match for Hearts after the Tynecastle club accepted the offer of a two-match ban for his stamp on Celtic captain Scott Brown.
Referee Bobby Madden took no action after the late challenge on the touchline during Sunday’s 3-1 win for the champions at Tynecastle, while Brendan Rodgers described the lunge as ‘shocking’.
SFA compliance officer Tony McGlennan reviewed footage of the incident earlier this week before issuing a notice of complaint to the former Rangers and Kilmarnock striker.
Hearts boss Craig Levein initially stated that the club would fight any charge, adding that he did not think it was a bad tackle.
However, the Gorgie club contacted the SFA prior to yesterday’s 3pm deadline to respond to the charge, confirming that they would not contest it.
Naismith will now miss the final match of his loan spell from Norwich against Killie on Sunday.
He would also be suspended for the opening Betfred Cup fixture of next season — if Hearts get their wish and are able to snap the Scotland international up on a permanent deal from the Canaries.
The 31-year-old’s contract at Carrow Road runs until the summer of 2019.
Speaking about the challenge, Naismith stated: ‘The tackle was late and it probably merited some sort of punishment, but there wasn’t any malice.
‘It’s not as if I jumped into the tackle. I actually thought Broony was going to take a touch but he slid and I was all in by then. It’s one of those things. I will accept what comes.’
Meanwhile, Levein has tipped Harry Cochrane as a Scotland player in the making after the teenager starred in the 2-1 derby win over Hibernian.
The midfielder, who turned 17 last month, set up Naismith’s winner, twice came close himself, and generally showed composure and class on the ball in a feisty and hectic encounter.
When asked about his display, Levein said: ‘Unbelievable. Honestly, I don’t think he gave the ball away all evening. His touch, on a pitch that was really slick, was sublime. It’s really good players who can perform like that on a pitch like that.’
Cochrane has now played 23 games for Hearts and Levein feels he has not worked with a more promising youngster.
‘I’ve maybe coached some but none of them have proved the fact they can play at just turned 17 at this level and be — I thought he was the best player in midfield,’ insisted the former Scotland boss.
‘John McGinn is a fantastic player and, rightly, gets loads of plaudits but basically Harry was better than him.
‘I’m really excited about seeing how he develops, as should everybody in Scotland, because I’m sure he will be an international player of the future.’