Steven Naismith admits lessons had to be learned from last weekend’s defeat at Dundee, as the Jambos look ahead to Premier Sports action.
The boss gave an honest assessment of the defeat in Tayside as the men in maroon prepare for tomorrow’s trip to Falkirk in second round duties.
Games are coming thick and fast now, with Naismith underlining the chance the players have to get back to winning ways.
“Last week was disappointing,” he told the media ahead of the game.
“I said after the game that the energy and desire wasn’t quite there, and that’s what I put on the players, but I made mistakes too and could have helped them out a bit more.
“It’s a different competition now, we made it to two semi-finals last year, and we need to make steps towards reaching finals again. No doubt though, it’ll be a tough game.
“Falkirk are a good team, and they don’t change approach much from game to game. We know what we’re coming up against and we need to go and cause them more problems than they cause us.”
The Bairns have proved to be one of the most stunning stories in Scottish football of later, with the Falkirk men back in the Championship after an invincible title win last season.
Managed by former Jambo John McGlynn, the boss had warm words for his opposite number ahead of another challenging tie for Hearts.
“It’s one of those moments in Scottish football where he gets credit for it, but not enough,” he said.
“In years to come, people will look back and understand what a great achievement it was.
“I watched quite a bit of Falkirk last season and they’re really impressive. They recruit really well, and you can see why they’ve been as successful as they have been.”
Finally, Naismith offered his reaction to the news that the Jambos will face Viktoria Plzen of Czechia in the UEL play-off round, and the latest injury news ahead of the trip to Falkirk.
“They’re (Plzen) a team that are regulars in Europe. They’ve got quality players with real experience in there as well. Our experience last season will help in terms of how best to play and navigate your way through these games.
“Frankie Kent’s the only one out tomorrow, he’s got an issue with his toe. He’ll be missing and the rest is the same as before.”
