Former Hearts defender Davie Weir believes that Steven Naismith could make the difference for the Tynecastle club in Sunday’s Edinburgh derby.
Both Hearts and Hibs go into the game under pressure after poor starts to the season. However, Weir thinks that Naismith will ‘relish’ the occasion.
“Steven will relish Sunday” Weir said, as reported by the Evening Times.
“He is perfect for it”
“He is perfect for it. The players, the fans, the management will all get a big boost from him being available.”
“The players will look around the dressing-room and think about who will help get something from the game. They will see Steven and it will give them a lift” he concluded.
Weir’s comments may be broadly correct. Naismith being available would be a huge boost for Hearts. However, it is debatable how much of the game he could play due to injury issues.
Naismith missed the recent 3-2 defeat to Motherwell with a hamstring injury. However, the Edinburgh Evening News recently reported that the player should be fit for the game.
Chances of winning will increase if striker returns
Hearts’ chances of pulling off a morale-boosting win at Easter Road will greatly increase if Naismith is in the starting line-up.
There is no doubt that the under pressure Craig Levein will start Naismith in the game. He needs a win in the game, and Naismith starting gives Hearts a real chance.
Of course, the rest of the Hearts side will need to perform on the day, it can’t all be down to Naismith. However, should he play to the best of his ability, Hearts could get a much-needed result at the home of their biggest rivals.