Steven Naismith says he will hold Hearts talks over his future next week after the Scottish Premiership campaign comes to an end.
The interim boss took over the top job following Robbie Neilson's sacking in March and hopes to secure third spot in the final two games. A comeback win over Aberdeen at Tynecastle has reduced the gap to the Dons to just two points with both sides in midweek action before Saturday's finale.
Naismith and Co go to Ibrox to face Michael Beale's troops before a huge capital derby with Hibs in Gorgie - a game that could prove huge to both in the fight for Europe. Naisy knows victory over Rangers wouldn't do his chances of the permanent gig any harm as he bids to leave Glasgow with all three points and cause the home side issues.
READ MORE: Steven Naismith overjoyed by Hearts comeback vs Aberdeen as third-place race hots up
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Hearts boast two wins and one draw from five games under Naismith ahead of the midweek battle. On talks with the hierarchy at the club, he said: “Have I had any discussion with the board? None at all. And realistically this week there’s no time.
“We may as well wait until after the season. After Saturday that’s it done and the players get some rest or go away for internationals and that’s the right time to have the conversation.
“Beating Rangers wouldn’t do my chances any harm but I feel I’ve been trying to make a statement with every game we’ve played.
“It’s not been perfect with results but there’s definitely been a clear shift in how we play.
“What I want is to try and make the club much more attacking and be a threat to other teams. That’s the big thing I focus on.
“If we want to be successful long term you need to compete in every game and that starts on Wednesday. It’s not a must-win. It would be silly to say it is.
“You might then come flying out the traps and then you lose the game and still only be two points behind.
“We will manage it the way we want to but we will go to win the game and cause Rangers problems.”.
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