Steven Naismith has shared his training ground message with his new Hearts players as he revealed his 'real excitement' ahead of facing Hibs.
The interim boss takes to the dugout for the first time at Easter Road as he bids to get the Jambos' bid to finish best of the rest behind Celtic and Rangers back on track with seven huge matches to play between now and the end of the season.
The capital club have been on a poor run of results that has allowed Aberdeen to leapfrog them into third spot ahead of the fixtures this weekend. Robbie Neilson lost his job at Tynecastle following a home defeat to St Mirren that also has the Buddies dreaming of the top six and Europe with the race looking like it will go down to the wire.
READ MORE: Hibs vs Hearts on TV: Channel, live stream and kick-off details for crunch Edinburgh derby clash
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Naismith can't wait for the game this weekend and says there is no nervousness around his Hearts squad but just a desire to get out there and claim the capital bragging rights.
He told Hearts' official website: “I’ve got a real excitement and adrenaline going, it’s been enjoyable. It’s a great opportunity at a massive club.
“In my eyes, we’re coming up against the toughest run of fixtures we’ll have all season. Going into Saturday, I think it’s a great game to start with. It’s a game that’s easy for everybody to get up for: it’s a derby!
“It’s one we’re really looking forward to, and that’s what’s come across from the boys on the training pitch. There’s no nervousness, it’s just a desire to get out there, play, and do what we can to win.
“If we make mistakes, we make mistakes, but we’ve got a clear plan. We’ll execute that plan as best we can in the week of preparation that we’ve had and I think we’ve got enough to out and win the game.”
He continued: “There’s a real quality within the squad.
“Being in my previous role, I didn’t have a lot of contact with them. One thing I’ve said to them already is that if they’re not working hard enough in training, I will tell them.
“If you’re doing really well in training, you’ll get a chance. What we need this week from the lads will be different to what’ll be required the following week. From now to the end of the season, everything I do will be to benefit the club.”
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