Steven Naismith admits Hearts will travel to Rugby Park full of confidence as they look to build on three cinch Premiership victories.
The men in maroon could move into third place with three points in Ayrshire tomorrow and Naismith admits the squad are in a good place as they prepare for a busy week ahead.
Speaking to the media at the pre-match press conference, Naismith said:
“It will be tough. It’s a tough place to go, for many reasons. We’ve played them a couple of times this season and they’ve been tight games. The biggest benefit they have had this season, is their recruitment has been really good.
“But we definitely believe. We have done it in the cup, so we have to use not just the result, but the performance, which was really good that night. We had some real good moments and dealt with the set back of them getting the goal really well.
“So, we go down there with real belief. I think the progression in recent weeks is there to see, there has been a real consistency, whether that has been our defending or attacking. Our all-round play has been getting better and better, so the squad is in a good place in many respects, and we are looking forward to tomorrow.”
Confidence is high following victories over Livingston, Motherwell and St Johnstone and Naismith admits the way his players dealt with the different challenges in each game is a pleasing aspect.
“In recent times, every game has been slightly different. In the Livingston game, we needed real patience. They never carried a lot of a threat and we had to continue to go without getting frustrated.
“In the Motherwell game, our control and game management was really good and in the St Johnstone we had to be really resilient and defend for our lives at times but we still come out with the win and the biggest gripe I have got is the fact we haven’t scored more goals.
“It’s a learning process. I have experienced it in my playing career. I have probably had that slight more understanding of if you haven’t scored in half an hour. It’s a learning experience for everyone though.
“We really want to have control in games and be secure, whilst carrying a threat and I think we have done that in our last three games, but as long as we are winning and carrying an attacking threat, then it’s going to be fine.”
You can watch Steven’s press conference in full on Hearts TV.
