Coming back was easy

Naismith is back as a sidekick to Clarke

- By Anthony Brown

NEW Scotland assistant Steven Naismith revealed the possibility of qualifying for a World Cup within three months was a primary factor in his return to Steve Clarke's backroom staff.

The 38-year-old previously had a stint as first-team coach for the national team before leaving in the summer of 2023 - early on in the Scots’ bid to qualify for Euro 2024 - to become manager of Hearts.

After being sacked by the Jambos last September, Naismith took some time out of football to “refresh” before being invited back to the international fold last month to become assistant coach after John Carver quit for Lechia Gdansk.