Naismith: ‘we are confident, we are in a good place’

Hearts are still smarting from the result in the last Derby at Tynecastle when two goals from Elie Youan allowed Hibs to come from 2-0 down to snatch a draw in a game in which Steven Naismith, the Tynecastle team’s head coach, believes his men dominated.

Well, it’s Derby day again on Wednesday, this time at Easter Road, and Hearts go into the cinch Premiership game after a 2-0 victory over well-organised St Mirren at rain-soaked Gorgie on Saturday, a result which pleased the coach.

He added: “Result good, clean sheet good, against a team who have been really good this season. I’ve said before that they are the best organised team in the league and now the Derby.”

Liam Boyce (pictured) is close but unlikely to be risked as he is too valuable in the long-term according to the coach but Alex Lowry and Andy Halliday are likely to be back in the group and Stephen Kingsley will also be in contention for a place in the side for Wednesday (kick-off 20.00).

Naismith said: “Building consistency is what we are looking for and this is a tight period. If you can do a lot of good work here then we could be in a good place. The Derby is the next one and that changes the dynamic slightly.

“A bit more nerves, a bit more energy in the game and the players and staff are a little more pumped.”

He added: “Derby games are always good. As players you enjoy them. For us it is an opportunity to pick up more points and it is one against our rivals and is easy to get up for.”

Naismith added: “Not every player gets to enjoy a proper Derby and this is a proper Derby. I like it. We are in a good run of form, we are confident and we have a good squad so we are in a good place.

“The first ten minutes of a Derby is frantic. It is after that moment you need to see how the game is progressing, that is the most important thing and it is important we go out and do ourselves proud.”

He concluded: “We can take confidence from the first game. We are a better unit now and there are loads of positives.”