Former Scotland international Barry Ferguson feels Hearts will fancy their chances against Celtic in the Scottish Cup final, if Steven Naismith returns from injury in time for the game next month.
Naismith, who is currently on loan from Norwich City in the Championship, played a key role during Hearts’ impressive first half of the campaign.
However, the striker has been sidelined since February due to a knee injury and underwent surgery in a bid to try and make a return to the team before the end of the ongoing season.
The 32-year-old will face a race against time to be available for Hearts’ Scottish Cup final against Celtic next month and Ferguson feels the Jambos will fancy their chances in the game, if they can rely on their star man.
Ferguson stressed that Naismith is a key player for Hearts, not just due to his ability and experience, but also due to what he can bring to the team in terms of being the driving force within the group.
“Naismith’s key for me, when Hearts have got him in that starting eleven, he is the difference, there’s no doubt about that”, Ferguson said on the PLZ Soccer show.
“It’s not just about his ability on the pitch, it’s what he can bring in terms of driving the team forward and obviously he is an experienced campaigner.
“So Hearts with Steven Naismith, they will fancy their chances in the final, no doubt about that.”
Naismith, who is in the final year of his contract at Carrow Road, has directly contributed to 18 goals in all competitions for Hearts this season.
