Earlier return for Naismith
Steven Naismith could return to action sooner than anticipated, writes Moira Gordon.
The on-loan Hearts striker had feared his season was over after being warned he could be sidelined for six to ten weeks with a knee problem.
But the 32-year-old is now in a race against time to play a part in the Tynecastle side’s Scottish Cup semifinal against Inverness Caledonian Thistle after an operation to remove some
0 Steven Naismith: Eager. cartilage went more smoothly than expected.
“The operation went really well,” said manager Craig Levein. “It wasn’t as bad as they first feared so I’m fairly certain that he’ll play again before the season ends.
“That’s a boost, of course, but I’m not sure how long it will be. I don’t want to put a number [of weeks] on it and be wrong.”
The 13 April Hampden fixture may be too soon fornaismith but he is desperate to be involved in the run-in and play a part in helping Hearts qualify for Europe and lift some silverware, and also force his way back into the Scotland squad for the June qualifiers against Cyprus and Belgium.
Having had the operation down south, with parent club Norwich City overseeing the arrangements, Naismith is now back in Scotland and Levein says it won’t be long until the talismanic player, who has scored 16 goals in 31 games for club and country this term, is working to get back to match fitness.
“Most of the rehab will be done here,” Levein added. “The fact that he’s back up the road with his family is a good thing for him as well.
“I don’t think there will be much rehab in the first couple of weeks. We’ll just let the wholethingsettleandhecould probably do that at home. But after that we’ll get cracking. It helps add to the feelgood factor around the club.”
Coins, bottles and pitch invasions may be the scourge of other big club rivalries.
But John Robertson reckons it is the coaches and management you have to keep an eye on come Highland derby day.
The Caley Thistle manager was talking with tongue in cheek, of course, but the mix of fire and friendliness is one the former Hearts striker just loves.
He stressed: “It is a fierce rivalry, but one I think a lot of other clubs would do well to follow.
“There has always been an edge to it. You talk about Celtic v Rangers, the Edinburgh derby or the Dundee derby and they are massive games. Our one is a friendly rivalry but, when the games come around, they are played with as much passion by the players and fans as any derby in the country.
“It is just that we don’t seem to attract all the histrionics that can go with it. It’s very much about bragging rights.
“If we can’t get to the Premiership and Ross County do, I’ll be the first to say well done. This area needs Premiership football.
“We received messages from them when we reached the Scottish Cup semi-final and that shows the respect there is between the clubs.
“Yes, we both want to be top dogs and, yes, there is rivalry, but we need each other. That arrangement has worked pretty well over the last 25 years.
“And if anyone thinks there is a lack of desire at play, just look at the 120th minute of the cup-tie [in December] when Brad Mckay and Michael Gardyne have a wee spat.
“Next minute there are 22 players and, what, 17 coaches – everyone and his granny and even the linesman – in there.
“There is a real edge to the games and it is never a case of ‘after you, Claude’.
“Both sets of players, managers and supporters want to win the game – and it is a great game to win.”