FIFTY SHADES OF NAI
... but no party until finals spot secured
The Hearts frontman wi l l eventually take the time to soak in earning his 50th cap but the champagne corks will only get popped if he can help fire Scotland to the Euro 2020.
Naismith has struggled with injury this term and has been l imited to just a handful of appearances for the Jambos.
But there was never any doubt he would put his hand up for international duty and he produced a typically committed display as Steve Clarke’s men dug out a 2-1 win in Cyprus.
The skipper – who insisted he’ll shrug off the knock that ended his night on the hour – was given a round of applause in the dressing room in a moment to savour. But he’s hoping for another one with the Nations League play-offs in March.
Naismith said: “It’s been hard work for me! It has probably not sunk in at the moment. I’m proud but what will cap it off is if in March we come through and we are at a major tournament. That’s the main aim.
“In years to come I think I will look back at all the Hall of Fame stuff and think it was brilliant. It’s not something I ever really expected I’d do in my career.
“Personally, to get 50 caps, it’s been a while waiting on that last one. To captain the team and win is great. But the performance can’t go unnoticed. We had the wee setback, it wasn’t easy on the eye but we have probably lacked that grit and determination to see out games or get back into them.
“That was probably the most impressive thing.”
Naismith gave the Tartan Army a fright when he limped off in the second half but he insisted the damage wasn’t serious and he’ll be ready and willing to go again on Tuesday against Kazakhstan.
He said: “It’s all right. It’s just the turf went away from me. I have slid one way and my body has gone the other.
“It was sore but to be fair I feel fine. It’s all good and it was a good night all round for everybody.
“Could I go again on Tuesday, aye, definitely. In the last couple of seasons it ’ s been more domestically you will have the
Tuesday–Tuesday–Saturday or a good cup Saturday or a good cup run. I know my body nowadays and I’m pretty comfortable that I’ll be able to do what I need to recover.”
Naismith played an unselfish role in Nicosia, leading the line, running the channels and creating the space for Scotland’s attackers to exploit.
It worked well. Ryan Christie, James Forrest and John McGinn were the dangermen thanks to the striker’s spadework and even though there were nervy moments at the back, the front division looks a threat.
Naismith said: “They are all technically very good but they also have a good football brain.
“Even just their movement. You saw Jamesy would sometimes drop in the hole or stay wide.
“Ryan would drop in, John would run in behind so the variation was there.
“The manager is happy with that so long as when we lose the ball we either win it back or drop position wherever you are on theth pitch. It’s been really good. These guys are quality players andan it’s enjoyable to be in a team withw them.”
Scotland might have had a Euro qualifying campaign to forget but former boss Alex McLeish teed up a shot at glory through the playoffs to give the nation our best chance at a major tournament for a generation.
Naismith would love the chance to lead Scotland out again at Hampden on Tuesday with regular captain Andy Robertson still out.
But the 33-year-old insisted he doesn’t need an armband to play a leader’s role beyond this week.
Naismith said: “Hopefully. I would take that all day long.
“The manager will be the man who makes the call. I’m just glad to be around and give what I can.
“I’m naturally the kind of guy who will talk constantly during the game. I have not changed the way I am around the place or how I am on the pitch.
“Over the last 18 months at Hearts I have probably turned into that elder statesman. And obviously more so here there have been boys dropping out of the Scotland squad.
“These guys are professional so the main thing is to let them know how big an opportunity this is.
“I have gone through many campaigns where we have had one bad qualifying result that has cost us.
“This time we have a real good chance in March. Everybody will say it but it’s true – we need to build momentum, understand the manager.”