The Jambos have their first Edinburgh derby of the season this weekend and one of the gaffer’s has had backing put towards him

Jim Jefferies gave Steven Naismith his first team debut at just 17 for Kilmarnock.

Twenty years later that young striker has followed in Jefferies ‘ footsteps by becoming the manager of Hearts and although the appointment has not been met with universal approval, the man who led the Jambos to Scottish Cup glory in 1998 believes Naismith has a real chance to quieten the doubters tomorrow. Hibs cross the city to visit Gorgie and Jefferies, now 72 and still a regular attendee at Tynecastle, knows there’s nothing like a derby win to capture hearts and minds.

“It would certainly help,” Jefferies told Record Sport . “Steven is very young to be thrown in as manager of such a big club as Hearts and there has been a lot of talk about his lack of experience. But if you’re offered it, you’re going to turn it down, are you? He’s having to learn on the job and any mistakes he makes are in the full glare of the spotlight that is always on Hearts, so that can be difficult.

“So, it’s good to have that kind of apprenticeship, in my opinion, and Naisy hasn’t had that. But that’s why Frankie McAvoy will be so important for him. Frankie’s got plenty of experience and will be a huge help but the bottom line is that the buck stops with the manager and Steven is that guy.

“One thing he won’t do is shy away from it. Ever since he was that young lad of 17, his attitude has been spot on. He’s a fighter and will do everything he can to get it right and make the most of his opportunity.

“But it’s a big pressure. I was at a golf day earlier this week and one of the guys I was playing with is a big Hearts fan. He was saying that Hearts should finish third every season, no excuses.

“That’s the attitude of most Hearts fans and if you don’t deliver that as the manager, then the criticism comes your way. I also don’t think Celtic and Rangers are at their strongest at the moment, so that also brings pressure because the fans think Hearts should get closer to them.”

Jefferies will be at Tynecastle tomorrow and admits he can’t wait to see the match-up as Hibs arrive with a new boss in the shape of Nick Montgomery. “They’ve played well since he came in,” he said. “And they’ve got a bit of pace up front with Martin Boyle.

“But Hearts have done well in their last couple of games as well and Naisy will have them right up for it. To be fair, if anyone on either side is not motivated for this game, they shouldn’t be at Hearts or Hibs. It’s the big one for both sets of fans.”

The former Hearts boss is hoping that Jambos’ captain Lawrence Shankland will be further fired up by his exclusion from the Scotland squad that takes on Spain and France next week. Jefferies said: “As I say, there’s no need for motivation for this match but if Lawrence feels he has a point to prove, then that can only benefit Hearts.

“He’s a massive player for them. I had him at Dunfermline, on loan from Aberdeen, and he did great for me. Since then he’s developed into a top class striker and a leader, having been given the armband when Craig Gordon got injured.

“I remember a couple of Scotland squads ago, Lawrence wasn’t picked and responded by scoring a couple of goals the following weekend. It would be great to see a repeat of that. He hasn’t quite hit the same form as last season, but the loss of Josh Ginnelly might have something to do with that. They formed a good partnership and Ginnelly’s pace created space for Lawrence because defenders were so wary of it.

“He’s still forming relationships with the attackers Hearts have brought in this summer, so it will take time. But tomorrow would be a great time for it all to click into place.”