Levein accepts two-match ban for Naismith

Hearts have accepted a two-match ban for Steven Naismith for his challenge on Celtic captain Scott Brown.

Manager Craig Levein signalled earlier in the week they would challenge any potential punishment but Naismith will now sit out the final match of the Ladbrokes Premiership season at his former club, Kilmarnock.

The on-loan Norwich player could now have played his final game for the club, going out on a high with a winner against Hibernian on Wednesday night.

Naismith caught the grounded Brown with his studs in the upper thigh/groin area during Celtic’s 3-1 victory at Tynecastle on Sunday.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers labelled it a “shocking challenge” after the game but Levein disagreed.

Speaking on Wednesday night, he said: “The stuff at the weekend, I think it was nothing, I really do.”

The incident went unpunished by referee Bobby Madden but Scottish Football Association compliance officer Tony McGlennan took action after reviewing footage.

Levein meanwhile has tipped Harry Cochrane as a Scotland player in the making after the teenager starred in the 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.

“John McGinn is a fantastic player and rightly gets loads of plaudits but basically Harry was better than him,” said former Scotland boss Levein .

“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.”

Steven Naismith.