Zander Clark says the Hearts squad are thrilled to have given Steven Naismith a fighting chance of landing the manager’s job.
The caretaker boss is set for talks with club chiefs after stepping into the role following Robbie Neilson’s exit last month and while the Scotland coach couldn’t wrestle third spot back off Aberdeen, he did steady the ship to secure fourth ahead of Hibs and land a European place.
Clark reckons Naismith’s case will have been strengthened by Saturday’s 10-men derby draw as the Jambos managed to hang on for the point they needed to finish top dogs in Edinburgh.
The Scotland keeper said: “He’s been great since he came in. He’s exactly the same as a manager as he was as a player – he’s not afraid to dig you out and have a pop at you when you deserve it.