Smith: Decision to quit Hearts was right. I couldn’t go back to playing ‘here and there’

Scotland Under-21 defender Liam Smith insists the fact he is playing a central role in a league title bid rather than observing one from the sidelines justifies his decision to depart Hearts.

The right-back has helped Ayr United create a two-point lead at the Championship summit, having featured in six of their opening eight league matches since joining on a one-year deal in mid-august.

Smith, part of St Mirren’s second-tier win during his season-long loan stint last term, had the chance to remain at the Tynecastle club. However, the 22-year-old admits he would not be content being a bit-part figure in a Hearts side currently two points clear at the top of the Premiership.

Smith, with under-21s squad for Friday’s penultimate Euro 2019 qualifier against Ukraine in Kiev and next Tuesday’s encounter against England at Tynecastle, said: “After playing every week for St Mirren last year – at a level where you were expected to win – I knew I had to go and do that again this season. I couldn’t go back to playing here and there. So far, I think my decision has been vindicated.

“I’m playing in a team that is pushing for a good position in the league. There is that bit of expectation where you’re going into games and the fans expect you to do something. I think that’s important.

“You see how well Hearts are doing at the moment. It would have been hard for me to get into that team. So I think my decision to leave has been justified already.

“The enjoyment side is important, and the fact I’m playing every week.

“I wanted to improve myself last year and I hoped those improvements would take me into the Hearts first team.

“That didn’t happen but I’ve gone to a team who play similar to how St Mirren played last year.

“With the confidence that has taken us to the top of the league, it’s a big positive for me and the club.”