Steven Naismith admits Hearts heat is on but Jambos boo boys warned 'quick fixes' not on the agenda
Hearts are looking to bounce back from a poor run of form in the Viaplay Cup against Kilmarnock
Steven Naismith admits the heat is on Hearts – but he’s convinced the Jambos can ride the storm by making a charge for the Viaplay Cup.
The Tynecastle gaffer is coming under flak from the club’s supporters after stumbling to defeat against St Mirren on Saturday. Hearts have lost five out of their last six games in all competitions but have their sights on Hampden in Tuesday's League Cup last eight clash at Kilmarnock.
When asked about the rising pressure from the stands, Naismith said: “I’m not aware of any individually but I’m pretty sure there will be because I’ve experienced and seen it at the club over the last six years. If there isn’t a win at the weekend then the fans aren’t happy. I believe in what we are doing. Getting that instant success overnight ain’t going to happen, it is never going to happen when there is any change.
"I think if we can get through this period, the long-term foundations are much better for a longer term success. I’ve been around the club long enough to know yes, you can make a few changes here or there and you can get a reaction and there might be a period of looking good.
“If you really want to move the club forward to that next level then you need to make sure every aspect of it is in sync and in line. Quick fixes for me don’t work.”
Naismith reckons silverware success is long overdue at Tynecastle with the Scottish Cup triumph in 2012 the last time the Gorgie men got a taste – despite three final appearances in the last four years.
The boss said: “Hearts trophy record is not brilliant for the size of club and backing. “For me there is a demand there, but we need to all be at a good level to consistently be challenging for the trophies because inevitably the Old Firm have the financial capabilities to have a much bigger squad which minimises the risk for them.
“It is a real opportunity. In my time as a player I was in two semi-finals, two finals, two penalty kicks away from winning the Scottish Cup. They are small margins. But it is a great opportunity to get to that next stage which is the semi-final. In those moments you get a sense you aren’t are away.
"We have got to know that, understand that and a lot of the players in the changing room have been there and experienced that. We have got to use that to give us that mentality to go and win the game.”
Naismith has sent Nathaniel Atkinson for a scan on his ankle after suffering a knock in the defeat to Saints and the Jambos gaffer is looking for an improvement at Rugby Park.
He said: “Inevitably that is what it is. Having this game so quickly after the disappointing game at the weekend gives us that opportunity to bounce back. Having the two away games this week helps because we’ve highlighted the fact away from home we’re not playing like we do when we are at home. Again it gives us an opportunity to show that we are making change on that front.
“If you get into a cup semi-final, the confidence on the back of that and how could you will feel does bring confidence. The main aim is to go there and compete first of all and then get through in the tie and into a semi-final.”