Steven Naismith has called on his Hearts players to play with freedom and enjoyment as they bid to bring an end to their horror run of form.
The Jambos have lost FIVE Scottish Premiership matches on the trot and now find themselves trailing Aberdeen by five points with just six games to play in the race for third spot. Bottom of the table Ross County provide the opposition this week as the interim boss looks to get a first win under his belt and get a much-needed three points on the board.
Five huge fixtures will follow against all the teams in and around Hearts as they bid to finish best of the rest behind Celtic and Rangers. European football is up for grabs for next season and after Kevin Nisbet handed Hibs the derby spoils at Easter Road, the need for a win in front of the Tynecastle crowd is even greater this week.
READ MORE: Robert Snodgrass vows to tell 'his side of the story' as he breaks Hearts exit silence
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Speaking to the media ahead of welcoming the Staggies to Gorgie, Naismith told the Hearts website: “We needed a result last week and we need one again this week. It’s hard because what we’re seeing on the training pitch, in meetings, how responsive the players have been with their feedback. But that doesn’t get you success.
“What gets you success is playing on a Saturday, playing with freedom and enjoyment – and that’s what gets you results. That’s what we need every Saturday between now and the end of the season.”
On facing County, he added: “We need to carry an attacking threat. Growing up playing against Hearts teams, you always knew about the dangers they would present. It was always tough to play against Hearts and we need to get to that point.
“They’ve got an experienced manager, a squad that have played together for a while. I know they’re fighting for their lives at the bottom of the league but they’re not a bad team. They have players that understand their roles and carry a threat.”
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