Hearts’ glove rivals giving Naismith a welcome selection headache

Hearts boss Steven Naismith says the battle for the No 1 jersey at Hearts is a good headache to have.

Zander Clark and Craig Gordon are both in contention for a place in the Scotland squad at Euro 2024, with the Tynecastle boss rotating between the two in recent weeks.

It was Clark who got the nod in the goalless draw at Kilmarnockon saturday, and he came up with a big save in the dying embers of the game to ensure his side strengthened their grip on third place.

“That’s the joy of having two really good goalies,” Naismith said.

“I’ve got the confidence that even though Zander has missed the last two, that he comes in and will be as solid as he’s been all season.

“The two of them are doing all they can to make the Euros squad – it’s as simple as that.

“I think they have done all they can in the games they’ve played this season.

“We’ll see how the coming weeks go, but it might be an opportunity to give them both game time.”

Naismith’s side struck the woodwork twice during the first half, however, they could have been punished for their lack of cutting edge in the final minute when Marley Watkins forced a fantastic save from Clark.

Kilmarnock remain in the driving seat to secure fourth place after continuing an excellent run of form that has seen them lose just once in their last 12 league fixtures.

Manager Derek Mcinnes said: “It absolutely could be (a crucial point), nobody has got a crystal ball, but it’s difficult to pick up points in the top six, particularly when the Old Firm are going for a title.”