Naismith has ‘ticked every box’ for coming back into contention

Steven Naismith insists he is ready to put his “stamp” on Robbie Neilson’s new-look Hearts side after returning to full fitness this week.

The Jambos skipper cruised through a 30-minute cameo against Falkirk on Tuesday afternoon as the capital club claimedacomfortable3-0victory.

It was Naismith’s first appearance of pre- season following a calf complaint and he is likely to step up his recovery with a longer outing when the Tynecastle outfit host Partick Thistle on Saturday.

Naismith reckons he will be back in contention when Hearts host Inverness in their Betfred Cup opener on October 6, while it remains to be seen whether Steve Clarke includes him in the Scotland squad for the European Championship play-off against Israel two days later.

“The Falkirk game was long awaited,” said Naismith.

“We’ll have another friendly at the weekend and then I’ll push on for a full week’s training. I feel fit and I’m raring to go. The start of the Betfred is a realistic target.

“I had a good programme and built up to make sure I’m not going to break down for any long period of time.

“Every box is ticked in terms of hittingmarkerstocomebackinto contention and I’ve done a lot in training.”

Hearts weapons in the final third were illustrated at the Oriam Performance Centre as goals from Liam Boyce, Jamie Walker and Craig Wighton put the Bairns to the sword. That followed hot on the heels of 5-0 victory against East Fife.

Andthe34-year-oldisadamant he is relishing the challenge of fighting for a place.

“You want to play, you want to play with the new signings and make your stamp on the team,” said the Scotland striker.