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Will Lancaster

Steven Naismith won't change Hearts mantra as Jambos boss delivers 'much better place' verdict

Steven Naismith has claimed that he will continue to play the same playing style whilst in temporary charge of Hearts - no matter who the opponent.

Naismith took the reigns from Robbie Neilson last month, with the former Jambos boss being sacked following a poor string of results that saw the club slide down the table. With one win from three games, Naismith has restored some form of pride in the club - despite losses to Celtic and Hibs.

A 6-1 win over Ross County did show just what the former Everton striker could achieve at Tynecastle if he was afforded time, but with a five-point-gap between themselves and Aberdeen in third with just four games remaining, time is running out for the ex-Rangers starlet.

READ MORE: Hibs 2-1 St Mirren as Lee Johnson's men edge closer to Europe - 3 things we learned

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However, despite Aberdeen, Rangers and Hibs still to play in the wake of the Premiership split, Naismith has said that he will continue to play the way he sees football - and he won't change it for anyone, confident in his belief that he has left the side 'in a much better place' since Neilson's departure.

Naismith told HeartsTV: “The Celtic game was carried on from Ross County, so it’s not as if it was a one off.

“We had the same way we wanted to play in possession. We did it well against Ross County and we did it well against Celtic. In the remaining games, when we’re in possession, that’s what we’ll want to do. That’s the style I want to have, that’s the way I want to play.

“But when you’re out of possession then that’s when you’ve got to combat other teams’ threats, and we’ll have a plan for that come the weekend as well.

“From the moment that I came in until now, we’re in a much better place. I think that the players have seen the opportunity in terms of getting into the team, playing and contributing and the group is really together. We’re well equipped for the next two games.”

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- Hibs 'confident' over Elie Youan transfer with 'six-figure' option in St Gallen loan agreement

- Hibs 'set to rival' Aberdeen for Jay Idzes signing as Lee Johnson's men plan scouting mission

- Nohan Kenneh on Hibs future and 'massive' Ross County loan spell after extended run of games

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