THE MUTE-IFUL GAME

Elvis says silence is golden for Jambos as quiet assassin Naismith dampens noise around Tynecastle to let Hearts roar

- CRAIG SWAN

STEVEN PRESSLEY insists the silence around Hearts outlines the excellence of Steven Naismith's work.

But the Tynecastle club's Scottish Cup-winning captain reckons making big noise at Hampden will lift the boss to the next level.

Pressley is adamant genuine belief holds the key to Hearts success against Rangers on Sunday.

In Naismith, the ex-skipper sees an individual who can provide it. The Hearts manager has won admiration for his ability to come through a sticky period earlier in the campaign.

But, for Pressley, it's the lack of noise around the place that is just as significant.

Having been through life with Vladimir Romanov, he knows what chaos looks like around Tynecastle.

But Naismith has serenity in Gorgie and Pressley said:

"There isn't a lot of noise coming from the club right now and that's a healthy sign.

"There was a lot of noise when I was there! Earlier in the season there was - but not now. It feels calm and tells me Hearts are in a good place.

"Hearts are in good form, better than Rangers are right now after the first period of uncertainty in Philippe Clement's reign.

"The pressure is mounting on that side of Glasgow but there is a real calmness about Hearts. Steven is doing a good job. He has shown good resilience from his early period of difficulty.