Steven Naismith says Heart of Midlothian signing three players from fellow top-flight clubs on pre-contract deals for next season is part of a desire to be "ahead of a the game and not reactive" in the transfer market. (Daily Record)
Naismith is using his former Everton manager David Moyes as his inspiration in terms of recruitment. (The Scotsman)
Read the rest of Saturday's gossip.
Frankie Kent and Calem Nieuwenhof are in contention to make their return from injury for Hearts. Liam Boyce is back running in training, while Peter Haring and Craig Halkett have undergone surgery.
Kyle Magennis and Brad Lyons remain unavailable for Kilmarnock but Lyons has resumed training.
Image source, SNSSteven Naismith says Hearts were too "reactive" in their recruitment during his playing days as he looks to be "ahead of the game" as head coach.
The Tynecastle club have already completed deals that will see Blair Spittal, Yan Dhanda and James Penrice arrive from Premiership opponents to Gorgie in the summer.
“I’m not going to talk about individual players (who have agreed pre-contracts), but one of the biggest things I took from when I was a player here was that the turnover of players each season, and when that happened, was so reactive," Naismith said.
“We can’t be reactive, we want to be ahead of the game. We want to be in a position where we know the areas within the next year to 18 months we might need to strengthen, whether it be for competition for places, because we feel somebody might move on, or somebody’s coming to the end.
“It’s never going to be perfect, it’s not been perfect, but we’ll do as much homework and research as we can to get the deals done.
“The two windows I’ve been involved in have taught us that the quicker you get players in, the more comfortable they get in their surroundings quicker, and they understand what you want from them. For signings, we want to do things as quickly as we can.”
Image source, SNSHearts head coach Steven Naismith has been speaking to the media ahead of his side's meeting with Kilmarnock at Tynecastle on Saturday.
Here are the key points:
Pleased Hearts are "ahead of the game" in their recruitment for next season after agreeing pre-contracts with Blair Spittal, Yan Dhanda and James Penrice.
During his playing days at Tynecastle, he says the clubs were too "reactive" in their recruitment strategies - something he's tried to change as head coach.
His aim is to improve the players that are already part of the squad while adding quality in key areas efficiently.
Kenneth Vargas "ticks every box" Hearts want in a signing, with the Costa Rican's five-year deal signed this week emphasising how much of a "big prospect" the 21-year-old is.
Frankie Kent and Calem Nieuwenhof are both in contention to make their return from injury on Saturday. Liam Boyce is back running in training, while Peter Haring and Craig Halkett have both undergone surgery.
Lawrence Shankland drew both praise and criticism for his efforts in Scotland's 4-0 defeat by the Netherlands during the international break.
His overall performance was impressive, but the Hearts striker rattled the crossbar with a big chance when the Scots trailed 1-0 in Amsterdam.
Then, at Hampden, eyebrows were raised when Shankland was not brought off the bench sooner as Scotland toiled to a 1-0 defeat by Northern Ireland before he was unable to capitalise on two good penalty box opportunities.
How does Shankland respond to all this? The only way he knows how - by hitting the back of the net you would imagine.
After 28 goals in 39 previous appearances, and nine in his last eight, the 28-year-old has gone four games for club and country without finding the net.
He has also not scored against Saturday's visitors, Kilmarnock, this season. What odds he rectifies all that at Tynecastle as third in the table eye a third consecutive win over the side now sitting fourth?
Image source, SNSDavid Martindale has tipped James Penrice to succeed at Hearts, and believes he is capable of going to “another level” beyond the Tynecastle club.
The Livi left-back has penned a pre-contract deal at Hearts and will join Steven Naismith's side in the summer.
“I can’t wait to get James Penrice back ready and playing for Livingston,” the Livi manager said. “I have got absolutely no qualms whatsoever about playing him.
“I think it’s a fantastic move for the lad. I sat James down three years ago and said ‘come to me, we’ll make you better, we’ll progress your career’, so when I found out Hearts were interested, I was delighted for him.”
Martindale joked that Livi are becoming a “feeder club” for the Tynecastle side, following a successful move by Craig Halkett and Alan Forrest in 2019 and 2022 respectively.
The Livi boss believes Penrice will follow in their footsteps and succeed after a move from Livingston to Hearts.
“James is more than capable of stepping up and dealing with it, I think James has got another level in him [beyond Hearts], I really do,” said Martindale.
“Sometimes players can underestimate the size of the job at Tynecastle, when you put that shirt on in front of those fans, it’s a big place to play football.
“It takes big players. I think it took Alan a wee while to settle but I think the staff and the fans can now see why Alan went to Hearts originally, he’s been brilliant for them.
“Robbie Neilson took him in originally and I think Naisy (Steven Naismith) has been very good for him, he’s kicked on this season.
“Craig Halkett took to Hearts like a duck to water. He had a difficult start to life at Hearts but he’s had the captain’s band a few times.
“When I look at the players that have left Livingston to go to Hearts, it does nothing but bring a smile to my face. I genuinely mean that. I’m disappointed I’m losing someone of James’ ability but I’m absolutely delighted for him.”
Heart of Midlothian striker Liam Boyce has a chance of playing before the end of the season as he continues his recovery from an operation to cure a tendon problem, head coach Steven Naismith has suggested. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.
Image source, SNSNo player has registered more assists in the Scottish Premiership this season than Kilmarnock’s Danny Armstrong (10 – level with Matt O’Riley) whilst the Scotsman has provided five assists following a carry of 5+ metres with the ball, the most of any player in the competition in 2023-24.
Kilmarnock have scored 39 goals after 30 Premiership games this season, only netting more at this stage across their last 10 campaigns on one occasion (40 in 2017-18); meanwhile only Rangers (25 in a row) are currently on a longer scoring streak in the top-flight than Killie (12 in a row).
Hearts are unbeaten in their last seven home league games (W5 D2), only going longer without defeat at Tynecastle since promotion back to the top-flight in 2021 once, avoiding defeat in their first eight home matches back in the competition. Only Celtic (36), Rangers (36) and Kilmarnock (31) have won more home points in the top-flight this season than Hearts (28).
Kilmarnock have won just one of their five league matches against Hearts since the beginning of last season (D2 L2) whilst they’ve conceded first in three of those five games; the pair’s previous meeting at Tynecastle this season ended goalless, the only 0-0 draw between the two sides across their last 16 matchups.
Hearts have one win and one draw against Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premier League this season, last avoiding defeat in three separate meetings with Killie in the same top-flight season in 2015-16 under Robbie Neilson (W1 D2).
Hearts return to action following the international break by welcoming Kilmarnock to Tynecastle on Saturday.
Who should Steven Naismith include in his XI? Pick your team here.
Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland
Hearts have had the last ten days to digest the defeat in Dingwall and reflect on how they can get back to winning ways against the team directly below them in the Premiership table.
Derek McInnes has done a wonderful job at Rugby Park, guiding Kilmarnock back into the top flight and then seeing them progress up the table.
Indeed, when Robbie Neilson was sacked last year there were a few Jambos calling for the former Aberdeen boss to make the move to the capital.
That didn't come to pass though, and Steven Naismith has also done a terrific job in firing Hearts back to where they belong.
And with James Penrice, Yan Dhanda and Blair Spittal all agreeing pre-contract deals before the summer, the future certainly looks bright.
As soon as third place is secured then youngsters like Macauley Tait and Aiden Denholm are likely to be given more time on the pitch, providing them valuable experience looking forward.
With only eight league matches left to play the finishing line is now in sight. But with a cup semi-final against Rangers at Hampden to look forward to, there is still so much to play for.
Defender Lewis Neilson, on loan at Partick Thistle, has been assured he has a long-term future at Hearts. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external
Image source, SNSToby Sibbick featured in defence as his Uganda side twice came from behind to draw with Ghana in a friendly.
The Hearts man slotted into a backline that was skippered by Motherwell's Bevis Mugabi and also featured Elvis Bwomono of St Mirren.
Jerome Opoku opened the scoring for Ghana before a pair of penalties at either end made is 2-1 at the break.
Muhammad Shaban scored a late Uganda equaliser in an eventual encounter, capped off by two Ghana red cards in the final stages.
Image source, SNS
Image source, SNSKenneth Vargas has made his move to Hearts permanent after penning a five-year deal with the Tynecastle club.
The Costa Rican has endeared himself to the Gorgie faithful, scoring seven goals in all competitions, including in three consecutive rounds of the Scottish Cup.
He originally signed on loan from Herediano is his homeland in the summer, with Hearts choosing to utilise their option to buy the 21-year-old.
Manager Steven Naismith said: “I’m really happy that we’ve been able to sort out Kenneth’s future and bring him in permanently.
“He’s made a really big impact since coming here. Everyone can see his talents but he’s also got a real willingness to learn and is great around the dressing room.
“It’s important to remember that the initial loan move was Kenneth’s first away from Costa Rica and from his family. So for him to settle as well as he has, and put in the performances that he has, is impressive, and I think we’ll see even more from him as he and the team continues to progress.”
Greg Playfair
Fan writer
Even when the international break is on, Hearts can’t take a break from the sporting headlines.
From captain Lawrence Shankland being scrutinised over every little detail whilst representing Scotland, to a Rangers bathmat finding it’s way in the Hearts home dressing room covering our sacred badge, you’ll always find a story involving the club.
If I start with the latter story, I don’t think a statement was necessary from the club but hopefully that’s the matter put to bed and ended. Although, if the hybrid badge remains, I’m hoping it confuses Lawrence Shankland into signing a new deal with Hearts and avoid him moving along the M8 to sign for the Govan side.
On the topic of Shankland, I can’t believe the amount of flack that was flung his way after Scotland’s 4-0 defeat to Netherlands. Granted, he had a good opportunity at goal that hit the crossbar, but I thought his general link-up and hold play was good, considering he was up against a man widely believed to be one of the best centre-halves in the world in Virgil Van Dijk.
I really hope Scotland boss Steve Clarke keeps faith with Shankland and starts him against Northern Ireland as I believe he will produce the goods against a side that is more akin to the standard of player he faces regularly for Hearts.
I’d also like to see either Craig Gordon or Zander Clark get a run out at some stage in the match at Hampden, as I don’t think Angus Gunn is as infallible in goals as some people had previously believed. It would be good to assess his competition, as well as getting another Hearts player a cap for Scotland.
Hopefully, the Hearts players away on international duty return for Saturday’s match versus Kilmarnock at Tynecastle with plenty of confidence, to avenge the defeat from Ross County in Dingwall.
This is the start of a tricky double header with a visit to St Mirren to follow and it’s two games in which we must navigate without defeat.
Kilmarnock will visit us and look to have a go with two wide men in Daniel Armstrong and Matty Kennedy, as well as Kyle Vassell up front, so we need to ensure we set ourselves up strong defensively to thwart any danger.
If that is the case, then I’m confident of us edging a 2-1 victory and allow us to march on to Paisley with a degree of high comfort in third place.
Greg Playfair can be found on the Oorweechat Podcast, external.
Image source, Getty ImagesHearts defender Kye Rowles played the full 90 minutes as Australia cruised to a 5-0 victory over Lebanon in a World Cup qualifier.
Kusini Yengi put the Socceroos up early on, a Bassel Jradi own-goal made it two just after half-time, before a Craig Goodwin double either side of John Iredale's strike made sure of the win.
Rowles' Hearts team-mate Nathaniel Atkinson was an unused substitute in Canberra.
Graham Arnold's side now have four wins from four in their bid to reach the 2026 competition, and sit top of their group, five points clear of Palestine in second.
Former Hearts goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal has come out of retirement - as a striker with Czech seventh tier side FC Sigma Hodolany. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external
Image source, Getty ImagesHearts defender Dexter Lembikisa scored his first international goal as Jamaica beat Panama to finish third in the Concacaf Nations League.
The 20-year-old, on loan at Tynecastle from Wolves, netted the only goal of the game with a superb left-footed strike from outside the box late in the first half.
Jamaica looked set for the competition's final when Greg Leigh's early goal put them in front against the United States on 21 March, but the Reggae Boyz conceded a 96th-minute equaliser before eventually losing 3-1 after extra-time.
Hearts have demanded answers from the SWPL after photos showing a Rangers badge stuck over a Hearts one at Tynecastle at the SWPL Cup final.
Images shared on social media showed the Rangers club crest stuck over the top of the Hearts badge in the home dressing room.
Rangers faced Partick Thistle in the final at Tynecastle on Sunday, where they won 4-1.
But Hearts said in a statement that management of the stadium was the responsibility of the SWPL for the game, not theirs - and described the situation as "extremely disappointing".
"Although the club hands over the running of the stadium on the day to the competition organisers - the SWPL - we were involved with pre-match planning," the club said, external.
"We would therefore like to assure our supporters that we did not approve any request for dressing room branding in either dressing room for either club involved.
"It is extremely disappointing to learn that our wishes were disregarded. How this came to be is a matter for the SWPL and Rangers to sort, but needless to say no explanation will be satisfactory in our eyes or the eyes of our fans.
"Nevertheless, we will demand answers to ensure that our club crest is never defaced again.
"It is also regrettable that this action has taken away the focus from what was a successful cup final and another opportunity to grow women’s football in Scotland."
Image source, SNS
Image source, SNSHearts are topping the charts when it comes to defending set-plays this season.
Steven Naismith's side have conceded just four goals from set-pieces so far this term, the lowest of any side in the Scottish top flight.
Rangers are the closest to them, having conceded eight set-piece goals while all other teams are in double figures.
Hearts haven't conceded a single goal from a corner this season, the only team in the Scottish Premiership to have achieved this with all others having let in at least four.
Their defending from crosses is also one of the best in the league, with only St Mirren letting in fewer goals from crosses.
Image source, SNSFormer Scotland forward James McFadden has backed Lawrence Shankland's ability to perform for the national team.
The Hearts striker started in the eventual 4-0 defeat to The Netherlands on Friday - his withdrawal coinciding with the visitors' collapse.
Despite missing the kind of glaring opportunity he's been sticking away with ease in maroon all season, McFadden was impressed with the 28-year-old's performance.
"I thought Shankland's overall play was excellent and we looked better when he was on because he held his position and brought others into play," he said on Sportsound.
"He gets his chance, he doesn't snatch at it or look tense. He knows what he's trying to do.
"If anything he was trying to be too precise by putting it right in the top corner. Then you run the risk of slightly overhitting it.
"But he showed in his all round play he can play in this team. Sometimes you don't get another chance at this level and he has to score. But I'd back him to bounce back."
We asked for your thoughts as Hearts look to wrap up third and continue their Scottish cup campaign in the final stretch of the season.
Here's a taste of what you had to say:
Robert: As a Hearts fan for 75 years, there's nothing I would like better than a Scottish Cup win. But I doubt whether the current squad can deliver. Naismith has assembled a solid team which should be good enough for third place in the league, but, for me, it still lacks the creative spark in midfield that makes the difference at the higher level.
Kris: With the obvious caveat of ending our hoodoo against Rangers at Hampden, the semi final is the bigger of the two games for me. Beat Rangers and I fancy our chances. At the end of the day anyone but Aberdeen lifting the cup would still be a successful season for me.
Steve: Not a chance of winning the cup, most of the midfield are not up to it. Been crying out for a right-back for 12 months, Sibbick is a liability and Shankland has little support. Very pleased with the signings for next season. It shows ambition, though we desperately need a right-back and another striker. Fingers crossed.
David: Delighted with the pre-contract signings of Dhanda, Spitall and Penrice. Let’s make sure of Europe by winning the next two games v Killie and St Mirren. Would not be surprised to see the following leave at the end of the season for various reasons - Haring, Tagawa, Grant, Baningime, Sibbick, Atkinson.
Kuptin: Good signings for next season. Scottish Cup? Of course they can win it, but I don't think they WILL beat both Rangers and Celtic in the one campaign. Close, but not yet.
Sean McGill
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, BBC/SNSIt seems to have been a busy few days at Tynecastle, with Motherwell midfielder Blair Spittal and Livingston left-back James Penrice both set to join Hearts on pre-contracts next season.
Spittal's goal contributions immediately catch the eye. 11 goals and nine assists make him one of the most productive players in the Scottish top-flight this term. Only Lawrence Shankland, Matt O'Riley and James Tavernier have a higher overall output in the Premiership.
A deeper look at the numbers show just how integral the 28-year-old has been at Fir Park this season, with the midfielder showing up well in chances created and possession won.
The question now will be whether Spittal can replicate his fine form in the capital next term, or whether this purple patch filters out in front of an expectant Gorgie crowd.
Meanwhile, Penrice has had to scrap and claw for moments in the spotlight during Livingston's turgid season at the bottom of the table.
The 25-year-old has still found a way, picking up five assists in all competitions. He turned in perhaps his best performance of the campaign at Easter Road in August as he helped dismantle Hibs in Lee Johnson's final game in charge. One way to endear yourself to Hearts fans.
Penrice is also one of the division's top tacklers according to the stats, and is in the top 10 for successful open play crosses in the league despite Livingston's woes.
Clearly, both are competent Premiership players who have stood out in teams well below Hearts' standard this season. With Steven Naismith's side looking likely for group stage European football, adding proven commodities for free seems to be a low-risk scenario.
It remains to be seen whether they - as well as Ross County's Yan Dhanda - can step up and make their mark in maroon as Hearts look to cement their place as serial European qualifiers and cup contenders.
