What Hearts captain Steven Naismith said on trophy lift as players target 'personal milestones'

Steven Naismith has spoken on Hearts' Championship success. Picture: SNS

Hearts star Steven Naismith was coy when asked about the possibility of leaving the Championship trophy on the stand.

The league winners are set to be presented with the second tier title and medals in their penultimate game of the season and final fixture at Tynecastle Park next weekend when they welcome Inverness CT.

However, there is a section of the supporter base keen for the team to collect their medals but leave the Championship trophy on the stand.

Naismith was asked by PLZ Soccer’s Peter Martin whether it would be left on the stand as a message of "defiance”.

“I’ve not heard too much on it,” he replied with a chuckle.

The club captain is focused on what comes next and team-mates reaching their “personal milestones”.

“Good that it's finally done,” Naismith said. “Throughout the season the expectation was that it was a formality but you've got to respect the league and teams you come up against.

“There's some things we could have done better but in terms of the league it was about getting the job done and we've done it with three games to go so it's good all round.

“Now the work starts straight away for what is coming next season.”

He added: "As players you are wanting it done, got it done and now everybody can relax and enjoy.

“Everybody has their personal targets for the rest of the season. Boycie has got 16 goals but wants to get to 20. John Souttar’s coming back into the team so it’s about game time for him.

“The personal milestones take over and just enjoy the last three weeks.”