Hearts could ‘enjoy the build-up’ to take on Celtic

Naismith believes that hearts are getting stronger every week.

He said: “Earlier in the season, the results that Hearts got were not great performances.”

“There were mistakes, Motherwell played them off the field for 60 minutes, so they were winning in different ways.

“But the last few performances, the derby match was not enjoyable, but their performance has become more complete.

“Their attacking players make the right choices at the right times, and that’s what happened tonight for the second and third goals.

This was not a 3-0 performance game. “It was individual errors and poor form that gave Hearts the chances they took away from Kilmarnock.”

Naismith pointed to the depth of the squad available to McInnes.

“When the window closed, you might have thought the team was too big, but I don’t think you could get a better coach to manage that,” he said.

“I think players are coming off the bench hungry, and guys on the field are showing ‘I’m not going to be in the team.’ The real change is that they have match-winners in their team.”

Which suggestion are Hearts now the least favorites to finish second?

“I’m not saying they are favourites, but with a little luck they can finish second this season,” Naismith said.

“In the coming seasons, it will be a three-horse race.

“As the seasons go on, they will gradually move away from the other best teams and this gap will continue to narrow.

“The signings they are making are untapped and have minimal risk because the data backs that up. They also have a fan base that is growing with them. That’s why it’s an exciting time.”

What are the chances of challenging for the title this season?

“If they get to January and are still in the mix, they may have reinforcements coming,” Naismith added.

“Then, if March time arrives and they are right in the mix, all the pressure will move away from Hearts and completely move to the old company because there is an expectation that they will come first and second.”