Sticking around would be just the ticket for Naismith

STEVEN NAISMITH last night admitted that he wants to play for Hearts next season.

The Scotland international signed on loan in January and, although he is contracted to Norwich City until the summer of 2019, he does not expect to play for the Carrow Road club again.

Naismith suffered an ankle injury playing for Norwich last August and subsequently drifted out of coach Daniel Farke’s plans.

He secured a return to Scotland in search of game time in January and, after a slow start, the 31-year-old has found form over the past few games.

Speaking ahead of today’s Premiership visit to Rangers, he admits he has enjoyed his time in Edinburgh.

‘I think there is a possibility I could be here next season,’ he said. ‘I have enjoyed it, I have loved it. If circumstances allow then it is definitely something that would interest me.

‘It is up to Norwich. They are going in a different direction but I signed a contract there for another year and I fully expected to be there for that.

‘If that is to change then they will play a big part in it.’

Naimsith joined Norwich from Everton in an £8.5million transfer in January 2016 and Hearts boss Craig Levein admits the Tynecastle club are in no position to come close to matching the player’s current wages.

‘I’ve never been in this situation and don’t know how it is going to play out,’ continued Naismith. ‘Come the last few weeks of the season, I am sure I will be having a conversation with Norwich to try to get to a conclusion as quickly as possible.’