Steven Naismith is likely to miss Scottish Cup final between Hearts and Celtic

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There is some good news for Celtic ahead of the Scottish Cup final in that Steven Naismith is highly unlikely to make it.

According to the Edinburgh Evening News, Hearts manager Craig Levein claims Naismith hasn’t even started running yet. The former Rangers forward has been sidelined with a knee injury that required surgery. That occurred in early March, but there’s still no sign of Naismith making a return.

Uche Ikpeazu came off for Hearts against Kilmarnock last weekend. If he was to miss out, the Jambos would now seriously be depleted for May 25th.

And whilst Levein didn’t rule it out completely, it doesn’t look good for Naismith. Here’s what he told Edinburgh Evening News regarding his crocked star:

“I don’t think Steven will be ready for the final. That’s my take on it.

“He isn’t back in full training yet. He isn’t even back doing running yet. He is coming on well and he is improving, but I don’t see him being ready, unfortunately.”

Route one it is then

Should Ikpeazu make the contest, which is probably likely, Hearts will surely only play one way. Since Naismith injured himself two months ago, Hearts have only been playing a direct game.

Long balls up to Ikpeazu have blown hot and cold since the Naismith injury. It’s worked against some of the lesser teams in the Premiership. But when they’ve come up against the likes of Rangers, Hibernian, and Kilmarnock respectively, Hearts’ route one approach just hasn’t worked.

Celtic’s defence will, of course, still have to be strong. Ikpeazu remains an absolute physical specimen. Kristoffer Ajer and Jozo Simunovic will need to be at their strongest.

But Naismith being out would extremely limit Hearts. They do still have Steven MacLean and Craig Wighton available as options too, but neither would strike much fear into you.

Hearts have also been struggling for form since their semi-final win over Inverness. In their three post-split fixtures, they’ve failed to win any of them. Poor defeats at home to Rangers and Kilmarnock sandwiched a lucky draw at Easter Road.

Celtic can’t afford to be complacent, but as it stands, their cup final rivals aren’t in the best place.