Steven Naismith says Hearts need to maintain performance levels ahead of the Jambos’ trip to Dundee.
Dens Park awaits on Saturday as the men in maroon head to the City of Discovery in the hunt for the first league win of the new campaign.
Hearts started brightly on opening day against Rangers at Tynecastle in a 0-0 draw, but the boss says the intensity shown in their performance last Saturday needs to be kept up going into Dundee.
“The performance last week was really good,” he told the media ahead of the game.
“It was a lot better than our performances against Rangers last season with good stats in both halves. Crosses into the box, expected goals, everything was better. They key is to see the same levels of energy and athleticism against Dundee.
“It’ll be a tough game because we still have memories of the first game at Dens last season where we got beat. It was a tight game where a mistake from us cost us the points, but our levels need to be better than they were that day.”
The manager was speaking at a Premier Sports media event in Glasgow alongside his opposite number in the dugout, Tony Docherty.
Naismith was full of praise for the Dee boss, highlighting his success in securing a top six finish in his first season as manager.
“It’s some achievement that Tony and his staff managed last season,” he explained.
“I know the hard work that went into it, and I know how he works. They haven’t had as big a turnover as last season, but they’ve still brought some new players in.
“As I said, we need to remember our games last season against them, and if we go into with the same levels of performance against Rangers – then we give ourselves a good chance.”
Finally, there was positive news on the injury front, with Naismith able to call upon a near full strength squad for the weekend.
“The only two still out really is Beni Baningime and Calem Nieuwenhof,” he said.
“They’re probably looking at returning to the matchday squad around September time. They’re back on the pitch but we need to build them up properly.”
