Naismith: Kids learn tough lesson
STEVEN NAISMITH insists his young Scotland team-mates will learn from their hammering by Belgium on Friday night.
Alex Mcleish’s side suffered their worst home defeat in 45 years when they were thumped 4-0 at Hampden Park by Eden Hazard & Co.
But Naismith, 31, believes the players will not dwell on the defeat and said: “To be honest I don’t think we’ll be too down with the result because we are playing against the best in the world. There was a lot of good things on show but we got punished for our mistakes rather than great play from them.
“That’s something we will work on and it needs to change.
“But overall there was a lot of very good performances. These young guys are getting a taste of what it is like at the top and there are a lot of them that will be moving on to the top clubs in the coming years. Hopefully we as a squad can do well together and push on to make a finals.”
Firepower
Scotland face Albania on Monday in their Nations League opener and Naismith – on loan at Hearts from Norwich City – is ready to provide the firepower in attack if striker Leigh Griffiths does not pull through.
The Celtic forward limped out of Friday’s defeat with a calf injury and is a doubt for the clash at Hampden.
But Naismith says he is ready to step in if required. He added: “I’ve believed since coming back up the road and starting the season well that I can contribute to the national team.
“I’ve now managed to get back in the squad and so I’ve just got to work hard when I’m on the training pitch and in the games to show the manager that I do deserve a place.”