Steven Naismith warns Hearts squad he'll be Mr Unpopular as Cammy Devlin injury blow confirmed

Steven Naismith has warned his Hearts stars he’s not worried about becoming Mr Unpopular now that a host of long-term absentees are back pushing for starting spots.

The return of Craig Gordon and Craig Halkett to the bench against Rangers on Wednesday - 50 weeks after both suffered brutal Christmas Eve injuries last year - gave Jambos fans a huge pre-match boost. Both are now targeting a spot in the starting XI while Barrie McKay also made a first appearance since August as a late substitute against Rangers and Nat Atkinson was thrown in from the start having not featured since September.

It’s not all been positive news this week for Naismith with Cammy Devlin now facing a month out with an ankle issue. But the Tynecastle boss is relishing his bolstered squad driving competition for places - even if he knows he’ll have to leave some unhappy at being left out altogether.

He said: “That’s part of it. I’ve had to deal with that recently. You just have to be honest. These decisions are not personal. It’s a footballing decision and I’m very clear that week to week it could change.

“Gone are the days of rolling out the same team all the time and that gets you your win. That plays a part to build momentum but the tactics involved in the games are so refined that its small margins that make big differences.

“It’s good. Probably, subconsciously, it raises the quality in training. Players will be trying to work out the squad, who’s available, how many get into the squad, who am I vying for to be in the squad?

“It definitely brings that laser focus for each individual. It’s a good problem to have as a manager.

“We put Nat Atkinson back in from the start against Rangers. It was a big ask but he’s got good experience and the