Jim Jefferies reveals Hearts fan demand putting pressure on Steven Naismith and how Hibs win could cut slack

Jim Jefferies gave Steven Naismith his first team debut at just 17 for Kilmarnock.

Twenty years later that young striker has followed in Jefferies ' footsteps by becoming the manager of Hearts and although the appointment has not been met with universal approval, the man who led the Jambos to Scottish Cup glory in 1998 believes Naismith has a real chance to quieten the doubters tomorrow. Hibs cross the city to visit Gorgie and Jefferies, now 72 and still a regular attendee at Tynecastle, knows there's nothing like a derby win to capture hearts and minds.

"It would certainly help," Jefferies told Record Sport . "Steven is very young to be thrown in as manager of such a big club as Hearts and there has been a lot of talk about his lack of experience. But if you're offered it, you're going to turn it down, are you? He's having to learn on the job and any mistakes he makes are in the full glare of the spotlight that is always on Hearts, so that can be difficult.

"By the time I got the Hearts job first time round, I'd managed at Berwick and Falkirk. I learned my trade and made my mistakes, but not as many people noticed them!

"So, it's good to have that kind of apprenticeship, in my opinion, and Naisy hasn't had that. But that's why Frankie McAvoy will be so important for him. Frankie's got plenty of experience and will be a huge help but the bottom line is that the buck stops with the manager and Steven is that guy.

"One thing he won't do is shy away from it. Ever since he was that young lad of 17, his attitude has been spot on. He's a fighter and will do everything he can to get it right and make the most of his opportunity.

"But it's a big pressure. I was at a golf day earlier this week and one of the guys I was