Great American dream has Naismith feeling torn
IT IS not just California that Steven Naismith is presently dreaming about. Perhaps ominously for Hearts, the notion of a summer move simply to somewhere in the MLS is rattling about in the striker’s mind. And there is little to suggest it is not taking root.
‘I’m not actively looking to find a move to there,’ the striker insisted. ‘It’s more that, at this stage of my career, I don’t think that there’s going to be another opportunity to do it.
‘It’s whether you want it or not rather than “this club is in for me and I want to go”. That’s the decision I’ve got to make, really.
‘I’d say it’s probably the toughest one I’ve had to make in my career.’
Injuries aside, Naismith has found contentment at Hearts. Accordingly, prolonging his stay in Gorgie once his contract with parent club Norwich City expires this summer remains a distinct possibility.
The dilemma comes with a sense of the passing of time. He will turn 33 in September. Not yet ready for the knackers’ yard but, in footballing terms, certainly in the autumn of his career.
‘It’s a mad business that one day you’ll wake up and won’t be able to do it again. Simple as that,’ he added.
‘For me it’s quite daunting to think of it that way. You look at young players like (David) Bates going to Germany, Ryan Gauld going to Portugal. I really admire that.
‘Back in the day, I wish maybe I’d done that but I’ve enjoyed every bit of my career and I do think: “Why would I not try it?”.
‘That’s what I’m swaying with. The MLS is coming up, too. The family can watch it on TV as well which makes it easier for them.’
Sporting Kansas City, the current home of Johnny Russell, are believed to be among a list of would-be suitors who, these days, can sell a credible league and an enviable lifestyle as well as a handsome remuneration package.
‘I’ve said it before. When you are younger, it’s about money and playing at the highest level,’ said Naismith. ‘That’s 90 per cent of a young player’s decision.
‘As you get older, things change and it’s more a case of “do I fancy that?”. More comes into it. My Scotland ambitions come into it as well.
‘It’s a case of knowing definitively that that’s what I want to do.
‘When I’ve had chats with the manager, it’s clear that Hearts are doing all they can. They can’t do much more. But I just want to make sure I make the right decision.’
He has been set no deadlines nor has he boxed himself into one. The answers to such searching questions have generally come in lightbulb moments.
‘As a person and a player, I’m quite structured and I like to know what’s happening next week and the week after, so that plays on my mind as well,’ added Naismith. ‘Like most of the moves I’ve made in my career, one day I’ll wake up and think: “That’s the right thing to do” and I’ll pursue that.
‘I’ve not given myself a deadline but I’m realistic that I can’t drag it out too much. But I’ll take as much time as I need.’
If this is the start of the long goodbye, he could well live without any more painful episodes like the one endured at Fir Park on Sunday.
Hearts were decent without being spectacular for 90 minutes, probably deserving of the point which seemed to be theirs until goalkeeper Colin Doyle fumbled David Turnbull’s free-kick into his own net at the death.
‘I wouldn’t say that it was a great performance by us, in all honesty,’ reflected Naismith. ‘But there is a disappointment felt because your expectations at a club like Hearts are that you need to push on.
‘Results went our way on Saturday, and we wanted to capitalise on that. So it was a wasted opportunity.’
Doyle’s calamitous error pockmarked an otherwise fine display by the Irish keeper. Ensuring the aberration has been flushed from his memory by the time St Mirren come to town on Saturday may not be easy.
‘You can’t say anything,’ said Naismith. ‘He is old enough now, so he’ll know want he needs to do now. He has probably experienced it all before.
‘Goalies are the last man — any mistakes (are highlighted). As a forward, you can miss three chances and score one, so it is the opposite. But, as a goalie, that is part of your job — and when these things happen, you have to face the consequences and move on.’