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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Matthew Fulton

Steven Naismith in Hearts identity declaration as interim boss keeps European battle 'buzz' alive with Aberdeen win

Steven Naismith insists Hearts are forming an "identity'" under his interim watch as they saw off Aberdeen in a massive win in the battle for third.

The Jambos have kept their European dream alive and the lure of the millions that come with finishing third in the Scottish Premiership after goals from talisman Lawrence Shankland and a stunner from impressive Josh Ginnelly. Mattie Pollock silenced Tynecastle in the first half with a header but the home side roared back to pile pressure on Barry Robson and co.

Just two points separate the sides going in to the final two games of the campaign, with Hearts travelling to face Rangers before a tantalising Edinburgh derby to end their campaign. Robson's Dons will hope to sink St Mirren before facing the tough task of Celtic Park on the final day. And Naismith knows every game is crucial but says his side did a stellar job in quelling the Dons throughout the game.

He told Sky Sports: "It was a big game but all top six ones are. We are in a better position than we were before the game. It claws the points back on Aberdeen and makes the last week of the season very interesting.

"We come back from a goal down but our first half performance was what I've constantly said since I came in, I want to create a style that gives Hearts an identity. In every game, as much as it hasn't been perfect due to conceding silly and sloppy goals, giving up chances, there's a clear development in terms of the way we play. That's the most pleasing part.

"I want an attacking team that will cause more problems than teams cause us. Nearly every one of Aberdeen's first half chances came from a long ball or a set play. Mattie Pollock was their most dangerous threat in the whole game. We stopped them from getting big chances.

"Interesting, that's it [battle for third]. As a player, I enjoyed these moments, the adrenaline and as the manager of the team it's very similar. I'm enjoying that buzz."

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