Steven Naismith admits he is full of 'immense pride' over taking over the Hearts job until the summer as he hailed the 'amazing' job done by Robbie Neilson.
The former Jambos striker has been handed the top job until the end of the season as he bids to get the capital club back on track as they look for back to back best of the rest finishes behind Celtic and Rangers and qualify for Europe once again.
The Gorgie side have been on a poor run of results with St Mirren picking up a big win at Tynecastle last time out. That defeat was the final straw as Neilson was given the boot with seven huge games to be played, starting with an Edinburgh derby with Hibs. The importance of finishing third once again is vital with the likelihood of guaranteed European group stage football.
READ MORE: Hibs vs Hearts on TV: Channel, live stream and kick-off details for crunch Edinburgh derby clash
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Rangers and Celtic are both in the Scottish Cup last four with one guaranteed to face Falkirk or Inverness at Hampden in the final. A victory for either of the Glasgow giants would see the Europa League play-off place go to third spot. That comes with a parachute to the Europa Conference League group stage with defeat in the final qualifier of the second tier competition. Hearts enjoyed that luxury this season and banked good money - they are now determined to go all out to land it once again.
On taking over from Neilson, Naismith told Hearts' website: “The feeling is one of immense pride. It’s a situation as a young coach going into management, it’s a fantastic opportunity. Did I ever expect it to come so quickly? Probably not, but since stepping into coaching, there’s been a rapid rise in terms of experience.
“I took the lead on the 18s when John Rankin left, then the B Team, and then being involved with the national team. I’ve crammed a lot into my time being a coach. I’ve learned a lot, and I feel that I’m well-equipped for the upcoming couple of months.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned since joining Hearts, is that there’s a demand at the club. It’s got to be a good demand, and the players have got to enjoy that. The fans want attacking football. They want a team that goes into every game trying to win it. Not one that’s going to defend and hold out for a draw or a 1-0 lead.
“I was like that as a player; I wanted to be on the front foot and enjoyed having the ball and creating opportunities. I want play entertaining football. That’s easy to say, and harder to implement on the training pitch and in games, but that’s what I want.
“I’m not naïve to think that this is going to be easy, but I want us to be a team that takes games by the scruff of the neck.
On Neilson, he added: "I’d like to touch on that. What the previous manager did during his time with the club was amazing. We had some tough times before he was appointed, and over a short period of time, he dragged the club to being back in Europe.
“That can’t be underestimated. A change has happened, and we now need to get back on that journey and continue on that crest of a wave to get back up there and progress the club. We’ve made massive strides and we have an opportunity to continue that."
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