Steven Naismith's Hearts future in Ann Budge 'multi-year' plan as she hopes he stays long term

Ann Budge is hopeful that Steven Naismith will remain at Tynecastle to continue his "multi-year" plan, following reports that the Hearts boss is being eyed up by Millwall.

Naismith's Jambos have impressed in the Premiership this season, with last weekend's 2-0 win against Celtic seeing them establish a commanding 13 point lead in third position, putting the club in pole position to guarantee European football next season.

Former Hearts, Rangers and Scotland forward Naismith has distanced himself with speculation linking him with the English Championship side Millwall. Former Tynecastle CEO and current chairwoman Budge understands that the 37-year-old's body of work in his first full season as a first team manager is bound to attract interest elsewhere, but believes that Naismith's conversations with the board will ensure that he be in Gorgie for the long-haul.

Speaking to BBC Sport, she said: "I'm not stupid. When someone comes in and makes a fantastic offer that he feels he can't say no to, then what will be will be. But I don't think he's looking out there thinking ' where can I go next?'

"He said to us when he took the job that 'this is going to take some time.' He thought he knew what we needed to do really make the club improve. It's a multi-year plan, and is his plan. As long as it's working in the right direction and the enticements from elsewhere aren't too big, then I hope he will be here for a long time."

Elsewhere in Gorgie, veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon says he still hasn't given up hope on a Scotland recall for the Euros next summer, even if he is currently playing second-fiddle to Zander Clark for a place between the sticks for Hearts. The 41-year-old has recently returned from a broken leg to make two