Inside Hearts' coaching set up with Steven Naismith and Frank McAvoy as 'personal touch' spotted in Tynecastle dynamic

Alan Irvine has revealed how a coaching collaboration featuring Frankie McAvoy and Steven Naismith can work in perfect harmony for Hearts.

Irvine teamed up with McAvoy in Alex Neil’s backroom staff at Norwich. And he was assistant gaffer when Naisy starred for Everton and then the Canaries. The veteran coach hopes to hook up again with his two former colleagues on Sunday when the Jambos play a closed door friendly at Wigan. irvine put Naisy through his ‘B’ licence and believes he’s got a great future as a gaffer.

But while the 36-year-old graduates to UEFA Pro Licence level, it’s McAvoy at the helm and Gordon Forrest helping out as first team coach. Irvine said: “Frankie and I sat next to each other in the office at Norwich and, first and foremost, he’s a really nice guy. I went in as assistant manager, working alongside Frankie who was effectively assistant as well, although that wasn’t his title.

“But that wasn’t a problem at all. It was a pleasure. We got on well right from the beginning. I then had a caretaker spell when Alex lost his job and Frankie was a great help during that period. He’s highly organised and very good at dealing with the players. He put on nice coaching sessions, which players enjoyed.

“He just had a way about him those players liked. There’s a good personal touch there. I can see it working with Naisy – no problem. Frankie isn’t controversial or confrontational. He’ll be great support for Naisy.

“A new, young manager needs to find his own way of dealing with people. Naisy isn’t daft. He’ll realise he has to treat people well, the way he wanted to be treated.

“Of course, he’s got that fire in his belly which helped him be the player he was and will serve him well as manager, providing he knows