HEARTS manager Craig Levein insists he is still desperate to sign ‘culture setter’ Steven Naismith this summer, despite the Scotland striker’s recent injury woe.
The 32-year-old will undergo his second knee operation in the space of just five months on Monday and faces a battle to return before the end of the season.
The on loan Norwich City marksman spent two months on the sidelines at the tail end of last year and despite his campaign being plagued by set-backs, Levein is adamant that he is still keen to recruit the 14-goal player on a permanent deal at the end of the campaign.
He said: “I’d like him to stay, it’s as simple as that.
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“We’e got Aaron Hughes and his contract is up at the end of the year but he’s still useful, he’s one of the culture setters at the club and he does things properly every day and he’s a great example to the younger players.
“And Naisy is in that category, he’s a culture setter and he makes sure everybody does their jobs properly on the training ground and also on match days.
“There’s more to him than just the goals he’s provided.”
Levein is still hopeful that the former Rangers and Everton player will be available before the end of the term.
Naismith also has the incentive of getting himself back before Scotland’s Euro qualifying double header against Cyprus and Belgium in June, with the 49-times capped forward just one appearance away from entry to the Hampden Hall of Fame.
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Levein, whose side travel to Dundee on Saturday, added: “Will he be out for the season? It depends how long our season goes on.
“He came back a bit earlier than expected last time so hopefully he'll do the same.
"I feel so sorry for him, he's been brilliant for us.
“He got himself back in the Scotland squad and he's now sitting on 49 caps, which is remarkable.
“He is desperate to play another match for Scotland.
“Hopefully when he's back there will be some matches in the summer. Normally players aren't too keen on the summer matches but I'm sure he'll be the first name on the sheet.
“Also, Scotland have the best chance of qualifying for the Euros for a long time.”
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