Hearts today confirmed the signing of striker Steven Naismith on a six-month loan deal from English Championship side Norwich City. The Scotland striker passed a medical and arrived at Tynecastle late on Thursday afternoon. He will join his new Hearts colleagues for training on Friday and will be in the squad for the eagerly-awaited William Hill Scottish Cup tie against Hibernian at Tynecastle on Sunday.
Hearts Head Coach was delighted to secure the services of a player he gave a Scotland cap to when he was the National Head Coach. He told the official Hearts website:
“It’s a bit of a coup to bring somebody in of Steven’s quality, not just in a footballing sense but as a person as well. It’s much in keeping with the senior players we have here already, the likes of Don Cowie, Christophe Berra and Aaron Hughes.
“I think he’ll be a huge player in the dressing room and a great example to the rest of the team. On top of that he’s a fantastically talented football player.
“He’ll bring a bit of nous, experience, energy and enthusiasm – which he has in abundance. He’s also got goalscoring ability.”
Naismith himself can’t wait to get started. He told the official Hearts website:
“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to come to Hearts. It’s a club that’s obviously had its difficulties in the past but it’s definitely flourishing now under the leadership of Ann Budge and the gaffer,”
“Hearts showed the most enthusiasm to get something done and I liked that. I took a bit of time to consider my options and it’s about the whole package, rather than just moving for the sake of moving. Hearts ticked all the boxes.
“I’ve spent the morning looking around the training base and the stadium and it’s incredible what changes have been made, especially at Tynecastle.
“It just gives you that eagerness to get started and I’m looking forward to training tomorrow.”
Author of The Team for Me - 50 Years of Following Hearts. Runs Mind Generating Success, a successful therapy practice in Edinburgh. Contact me if you want rid of any unwanted habits. Twitter @Mike1874
