Steven Naismith comes to 'naive' Kenneth Vargas' defence but he's not buying one thing in Hearts star's explanation

Steven Naismith reckons it was 'naive' from Kenneth Vargas to say what he did about potentially leaving Hearts.

But the man who took him to Gorgie has plenty of sympathy for the Costa Rican - even if he isn't playing well enough to back up his eyebrow-raising quotes. Forward Vargas did an interview back home in which he outlined his desire to play at a higher level, bringing up the possibility of leaving in the January transfer window and mentioning an exit clause in his contract. It sparked a furious reaction among some Tynecastle punters, feeling he should focus on proving himself in Scotland first before he thinks about a higher level.

He's since come out swinging, claiming his words were twisted and taken out of context. But Naismith, who brought him to Gorgie last year, doesn't see it that way. And he doubts his form, with two goals in 19 appearances this season, puts his money where his mouth is. He said on BBC's Off the Ball: "I think he's been naive, I don't think he's just been taken straight out of context. He's done an interview, at times potentially not knowing it's going to get bounced back here. I've played with a lot of players that have gone international and they've come back and they've said all sorts.

In case you haven't heard, we've launched a new Hotline Live show, airing at 6pm every day, with the exception of Fridays and Saturdays.

Join our panel for a laugh, a moan and a look at all things Scottish football, as well as having your say on the biggest issues in the game.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss a single episode.

Alternatively, you can watch on Facebook or Twitter.

Need to get something off your chest? Have your say on what's happening in the world of Scottish football by