Levein not expecting to hang on to Naismith

Hearts boss Craig Levein admits it is unlikely Steven Naismith’s loan move will be made permanent after the forward joined from Norwich.

The Scotland international arrived at Tynecastle on Thursday to sign a sixmonth loan deal following a frustrating spell on the sidelines in England.

An ankle injury has restricted Naismith’s playing time this season, but on his return to fitness he struggled for game time and fought to secure a move away, with Hearts pipping a number of clubs to his signature.

Levein sees the deal as something of a coup, but admits the finances behind the move mean a permanent transfer in the summer is unlikely.

“I think that will be difficult,” he said. “It is quite a costly exercise for us for where we are at just now.

“To do it on a permanent basis would be extremely difficult.

“My priority was trying to get him through the door, so nothing has been spoken beyond the loan deal.”

Levein added: “I know him reasonably well having worked with him in the Scotland job, we always had a good relationship and I rate him very highly as a player and as a person.

“We heard he was getting a bit frustrated and not playing, so we tried to get him in and thankfully we’ve managed to get him.”

Naismith is likely to make his debut in tomorrow’s cup derby with Hibs as Kyle Lafferty is suspended.

Hibs suffered a blow yesterday after it was revealed that captain David Gray is set to miss up to three months after suffering an achilles injury in Portugal.

The defender sustained the problem during a friendly game against Willem II during the warm weather training camp and could miss the rest of the season.

Manager Neil Lennon refused to discuss a reported breakdown in his relationship with striker Anthony Stokes, who has been linked with a move to Charlton or a Polish club.

Former Dundee keeper Scott Bain could be handed a debut at Tynecastle.

Steven Naismith at training with Hearts yesterday.