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Michael Stewart responds to Hearts pundit blast from Steven Naismith and asks 'what do you want?'

Michael Stewart responded to Hearts boss Steven Naismith's comments
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Michael Stewart has responded to Steven Naismith's blast about pundits building a narrative around Hearts.

During the international break, the Jambos boss had a pop at some in the media who he felt were pushing a false line about his new signings Blair Spittal and Yan Dhanda. Some had been questioning the use of the duo in their early days as they believed they were being used too deep after starring further forward for other Premiership clubs last season.

But Naismith insists neither is being used in a different position than what they have been used to before. Stewart had a look at the situation after yet another defeat for the men in maroon away at Celtic today. And he insists the onus should be on the Gorgie boss to detail how the pair should be fitting in after being signed over the summer.

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Speaking on BBC Sportsound, he said: "I think it is important to state what was better today because it was better, but that doesn't necessarily lead to better performances in the future because you don't look at that team and go 'you're starting to see patterns there and relationships.' It was a performance that was unique to that game, away from home against a top opponent.

"The major concern is that their isn't an identity to the team or structure to how they want to set up. I'd love to hear the manager saying what is his beliefs in terms of how he wants the team to play - and not generalisations, specifics. How does he want them to go and impose themselves on the game?

"He's going on about Dhanda and Spittal and a a narrative building. Well, how do you see them fitting in to your team? You brought them so you must obviously want them. Instead of being bit-part players and throwing them under the bus, what is it you want from them?"