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Kris Boyd delivers honest Hearts verdict on ex-teammate Steven Naismith's future

Pressure is mounting on Steven Naismith at Hearts
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


Kris Boyd admits he fears for Steven Naismith's future at Hearts.

The Jambos have endured a miserable start to the campaign and are winless in their last NINE games - a run stretching back to the start of May. Tipped by some to split the Old Firm this season, Hearts sit second bottom of the table with just one point from their opening four Premiership games. They also crashed to an embarrassing Viaplay Cup exit to Falkirk and exited the Europa League with a whimper.

Hearts do have the guarantee of at least six Europa Conference League games as a reward for finishing best of the rest last season but their alarming form has sparked growing unrest among the support, with some beginning to call for Naismith's head. Naismith's job doesn't get any easier this weekend as the Jam Tarts make the daunting trip to Parkhead before clashes against St Mirren and Ross County.

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Boyd played with Naismith at Kilmarnock, Rangers and Scotland but admits he's worried about his former teammate's future if things don't turn around. The Sky Sports said: "I've been very disappointed by Hearts so far. They've played two European games in addition to their domestic duties, it's not as if it has been a hard shift for them.

"Do I fear for Steven Naismith? Yes, if their poor run continues for another week or so. They're going to have to start getting results. I'm predicting fifth purely on the size of the club and the expectations because right now they're a million miles away from where they should be, but I do think they will improve."

Both Boyd and fellow analyst Chris Sutton have backed in-form Aberdeen to reclaim their status as Scotland's third force this season. But Celtic legend Sutton reckons it's far too early for Gorgie fans to be hitting the panic button, adding: "Just because they've had a bad start doesn't mean it's over. I do think Steven Naismith did a great job last season and they've got a really decent squad.

"They are in the Conference League too and that balance may be tricky for them. Keeping Lawrence Shankland is a big deal, they do have reasonable strength and depth and they'll get it together soon. When they do, they'll go on a run. I'm not going to write Hearts off after four games. I do think there's a need for patience from the fans."