Naismith

Naismith's contract with Norwich expired at the end of June but he has yet to put pen to paper on a contract at Tynecastle.

Naismith said: "As I've got older I am pretty relaxed about it.

The Canaries duly invoked that clause when they were promoted earlier this month, even though Naismith hasn't kicked a ball for them since August 2017!

Naismith made 48 appearances for Norwich after leavingEvertonin January 2016 and Rodgers, whose spell on Merseyside ended 15 months earlier, admitted he was surprised the Blues let him go.

Black Cats boss David Moyes is a long-term admirer of Scotland international Naismith, and is believed to have tried to bring him to Wearside last summer.

Naismith was applauded by all sides of the ground when the teams were announced and, more remarkably, again after he scored the opening goal for Norwich, who won the game 2-0.

The big hand he received was a show of the affection Naismith, 30, still commands in these parts.

Although Naismith - who was close to moving to Carrow Road in the last transfer window - netted a hat-trick against Chelsea in September, the forward had not featured since December 28, having recently shaken off an ankle injury.

The Canaries tried to tempt Naismith to Carrow Road in the dying throes of the summer transfer window but saw the move blocked by Martinez.

James Naismith, sitting on a bench is flanked by smaller statues of three young basketball players who are "listening" intently to the coach who came up with the idea from a childhood game called "Duck on a Rock."

Scotland ace Steven Naismith has revealed how his mum dishes out cast-offs from the Everton dressing room to his hometown fans.

STEVEN Naismith believes Scotland's recent resurgence is down to Gordan Strachan giving his players the licence to express themselves and the freedom to attack.

Byline: Steven Naismith scores Everton's first goal in the victory over Arsenal at Goodison Park

Everton had Scotland forward Steven Naismith to thank for firing his side into the next round after a crunching tackle from Jordi Amat left him concussed, reports the Daily Star.

Everton................1 Chelsea...............0 STEVEN NAISMITH gave Roberto Martinez his first win as Everton shocked Jose Mourinho.