NNaisy’si’ stilltill a top talent
Naisy can still do job for Scots no matter what division he’s in .. and I’d be disappointed if Jambo pals Gordon, Hickey, Halkett and Souttar aren’t playing with him in dark blue
Hearts manager Robbie Neilson has backed Steven Naismith to fire in the goals for Scotland – even if he’s playing in the Championship.
Nei lson bel ieves a number of his players like Naisy (above) are worthy of call-ups with Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The new Tynecastle gaffer said: “Steven has been phenomenal for years now.”
If you asked any player or fan, if their club was put in our position there would be grievance – we’ll use it as a positive
Plying your trade at Gayfield and the Indodrill Stadium would not normally see you getting a game for Scotland.
But Hearts in the Championship isn’t normal.
That’s especially true given the circumstances of their controversial relegation from an unfinished campaign.
So even when Steven Naismith is trying to find goals against the likes of Arbroath, Alloa and the rest, his gaffer expects international recognition.
In fact, Tynecastle boss Robbie Neilson doesn’t just want Naismith involved with Steve Clarke’s national side.
He believes Craig Gordon, John Souttar, Craig Halkett and young Aaron Hickey should all be there as well, irrespective of what division they’re in.
The same goes for Northern Ireland trio Liam Boyce, Conor Washington and Michael Smith.
With the Championship season not kicking off until October and Scotland gearing up for games in September, he’s got a job to convince Clarke and Ian Baraclough that his five deserve to be selected.
But having helped Lawrence Shankland earn a place for Scotland while operating in the second tier for Dundee United, Neilson is convinced his Jambos stars can do the same.
Neilson said: “I’ve spoken to Steven a few times and he’s very motivated.
“He is a top player and we still have the core of a really good team here.
“I don’t think playing in the Championship will stop him from being involved with Scotland – and there are a few others.
“I would expect Craig to be around the national team as well. Souttar is also here and I would like Halkett to be in and around it too. Hickey is another one.
“We also have Michael, Liam and Conor with Northern Ireland.
“Steven has been phenomenal for years now.
“Whether we are playing in the Championship or Premiership, these guys will be around the international scene.”
But how will Hearts’ big-name stars cope with the rigours of playing in the Championship?
Neilson says the unity of fans and players – as well as their grievances about being down there in the first place – will drive them on when they visit the likes of Palmerston, Stark’s Park and Cappielow.
He said: “People might think: ‘Championship?’ but when you look at the size of this club and the quality of stadium and training facilities it’s different.
“We’ve already had people phoning to try to put players in here because they know we’re going to move forward.
“We have experience. It’s a good squad and that’s one of the reasons I decided to come back. We will need to recruit in certain areas but I obviously know the Championship well.
“We won it at United last season and I’ve won it with Hearts already. I know we need to add quality and find a way in this division.
“It’s about finding a way to win and giving that belief to the players.
“If you asked any player or fan, if their club was put in the same position as ours, there would be a grievance.
“We have to use that as a positive to come together.
“Previously when I was here, we had that real sense of togetherness.
“The club had been relegated, come out of administration and had the
Foundation of Hearts’ backing. We have that again and it’s about building on it.
“If we win games and build momentum then we will move forward.”
Another of Neilson’s most experienced players is Austrian Peter Haring.
When he first arrived in Gorgie, he was influential, especially when he was moved from defence into central midfield.
The 27-year-old hasn’t kicked a ball since the 2019 Scottish Cup Final against Celtic at Hampden.
A groin problem wrecked last season but Neilson has offered fans fresh hope that he could be fit for the start of the new campaign.
If he can get Haring up to speed, the new boss believes he can be a pivotal player in their bid to come straight back up. He said: “I have spoken to Peter a few times. He is over in Austria doing rehab right now.
“He could be a top player for us if we can get him fit and keep him fit.
“He had an operation three or four weeks ago and is recovering.
“We expect to have him back for the start of pre-season with a view to getting him back for the first game. We are hopeful that he’s now over his problems.
“The groin issue is similar to one I had so we had a good chat about it.
“It has been difficult to get to the bottom of it but he’s now doing good rehab.
“We have to manage it and keep our fingers crossed because Peter would be a huge asset.
“It’s just about getting him pain free and back playing, for our sake and his.”
Naismith is a top player and very motivated. I don’t think playing in the Championship will