Hearts have handed skipper Steven Naismith a role coaching the club's U-18s.
The veteran forward is building for a coaching career when he finally hangs up his boots and the Jambos have offered him a first step on the ladder.
The Scotland international, 34, remains part of Robbie Neilson's squad but will now assistant John Rankin in the club's academy.
Hearts' U-18s have finally been allowed to kick off a shortened league campaign after Covid-19 shut down youth football across the country.
Naismith hasn't committed to the rule beyond the end of the season and is wary of succumbing to muddled priorities while still a Hearts player.
But with the Championship title already in the bag, he's enjoyed the opportunity to get a tentative feel for management.
Naismith told the Edinburgh Evening News: “With the under-18s starting back up and going back into the league, plus with the resources and what’s allowed in bubbles, the club came to me and asked if I would help out.
“It’s something I’ve done in the past and I want to go down that route when I finish playing so it was a no-brainer for me. The manager has been brilliant by talking to me and giving me the opportunity, as have the coaches.
“People think you’re a player so you understand the game but it’s totally different. Way back when I first did some coaching, you walk out on that pitch and you’ve got a group of 14-year-olds staring at you.
“You’re talking to them but inside you’re thinking: ‘They’re looking at me thinking I’ve not got a clue.’ In reality, they’re probably in awe that a first-team player is there. That’s the sort of thing you need to get over and take enjoyment from it. Now it comes as second-nature and it’s something I really enjoy.
“It’s just until the end of the season. Whether it’s something that progresses, who knows? When I’m playing, I’ve always felt I don’t want to distract from it because I think coaching does that. You find yourself thinking about things when you should be thinking about games.
“That’s why I haven’t overly done it but this has been a good opportunity. It’s come at the right time. We have won the league with the first team and this has given me a good wee platform to enjoy it.”
