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Scotland internationalist Steven Naismith insists manager Craig Levein and the ‘whole package’ at Hearts were the reasons he opted for a loan move to Tynecastle.
The 31-year-old completed his switch from Norwich City until the end of the season on Thursday and admits he was impressed by the direction of the club with Levein, whom he worked under at international level, at the helm.
The former Rangers and Everton player was given a tour of the club’s state-of-the art Oriam training base yesterday and was also shown around the new £15 million main stand at the redeveloped stadium.
Despite interest from clubs south of the border and being linked with former club Kilmarnock, Naismith insists he was keen to play his part in the exciting project at Hearts.
Naismith said: “Hearts showed the most enthusiasm to get something done as quick as possible and I liked that.
“I took a bit of time to think about all my options and it’s more about the whole package rather than moving for the sake of moving, and Hearts definitely ticked all the boxes.
“As you get older you think more about the type of team you’re going to, what’s involved in terms of, are there some young players? Is the squad good?
“It’s not just about getting football, I’m delighted to have the opportunity to come to Hearts.
“It’s a club that’s had it’s difficulties in the past but it’s definitely flourishing now under the leadership of Ann Budge and the gaffer as well. If I can help that move forward I would be delighted to do so.
“It feels very good to be here, I spent the morning between the training ground and the stadium and it’s incredible the changes that have been made, especially at the stadium.
“It gives you that eagerness to get started so I’m looking forward to training.”
Naismith, who scored 46 league goals in 124 league starts for Rangers and Everton before making a £8.5 million move to Norwich two years ago, earned some of his 45-caps playing under Levein for Scotland and admits the chance to be reunited with the 53-year was also a factor.
He added: “Knowing the gaffer played it’s part because I know what he is about and I know how he works, what he expects and how he likes things to run.
“I enjoyed that when we were at Scotland together and that gives you a lot more comfort when you’re making a decision. it definitely played it’s part.
“There are a few familiar faces here with the likes of Kyle Lafferty, Don Cowie, Christophe Berra from Scotland and Jack Hamilton as well. That will make the transition very easy.”
Naismith, meanwhile, admits he is ready to be thrown straight into Sunday’s Scottish Cup derby against Hibs despite a lack of competitive football this season.
Naismith failed to force his way back into Daniel Farke’s plans at Norwich after sustaining ankle ligament damage last August but insists he feels sharp.
He added: “It’s a good game to start with, I’m raring to go for the fact of being involved in matches but that adds a little bit more to it that it’s a derby at home – and I’ll be eager to get going.
“I’ve been fit for probably about six to eight weeks now and managed to get a few games with the under-23s.
“As you get older, it’s more of a lifestyle rather than just turning up for training when you’re younger. Im in a good routine and I’ll carry that on. I’m in a good place.”
Naismith, meanwhile, insists he is looking forward to sampling the Tynecastle atmosphere as a home player after admitting he loved his trips to Gorgie with Rangers and Kilmarnock.
He added: “Some of my favourite games have been at Tynecastle for the atmosphere and it’s probably only going to be more intense with the new stand.
“It’s very impressive when you come to the stadium.
“One of my favourite goals was in the last minute at Tynecastle, Hearts had taken the lead and I scored a late winner but it’s the all round atmosphere that captures the memories.
“If I can have some more good memories I will be glad of that.”
Hearts manager Levein, meanwhile, is delighted to welcome Naismith as his second January signing following last week’s arrival of on loan Manchester United left back Demi Mitchell.
Levein said: “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.”
