We continue our end of season review of some of the most interesting players of 2018/19. This time we look at Steven Naismith’s season.
For veteran Hearts striker Steven Naismith, the 2018/19 season is a case of what might have been. Two serious injuries not only disrupted his season, but came at the worst possible time for Hearts, as a great start to the season went up in smoke.
Injuries came at bad time
Naismith’s first injury came during the Betfred Cup semi-final loss to Celtic. He required a knee operation after the injury, which kept him out of action for around two months.
Even worse was to follow, as the player was forced to have another knee operation in March, which forced him to miss the rest of the season, including the Scottish Cup Final.
Club keeping faith in player
Despite the injury issues, Naismith was a regular scorer for the Tynecastle side, scoring 14 goals.
That will be why Hearts want the player to sign a permanent deal with the club, a move which Naismith has described as ‘inevitable‘.
It’s no wonder Hearts want Naismith to stay at the club. They are like a different team when he is in the side. Their great run at the start of the season was inspired by Naismith’s form. If he had stayed fit, who knows what they could have achieved this season.