Obsessed? Bizarre Celtic call out from losing manager

Strangely, after losing a cup semi-final at Hampden Steven Naismith decided to hard back to a decision in a defeat to Celtic three weeks ago.

Since that 4-1 Tynecastle defeat the Hearts boss has watched his side lose twice to Philippe Clement, either side of a narrow home win over Livingston.

After one round of SPFL fixtures Hearts are seven points clear of bottom placed St Johnstone and 18 adrift of leaders Celtic.

In his first management job Naismith is under pressure to start delivering results, Hearts fans are far from convinced that the former Everton striker is an upgrade on Robbie Neilson.

All managers like to deflect away after set-backs but it only really works if you have some credit in the bank with a season or two of success to nod towards as evidence. Naismith doesn’t, which makes his Celtic chat even more bizarre.

Some people will say it was or it wasn’t a penalty but, as a forward, I think he [Danilo] anticipates the ball. As much as Zander is trying to get out of the way, his momentum takes him into his foot. If it was for us, I think I would be asking for it.

The one thing I would add to that is I find it frustrating that the first thought for Celtic against us at Tynecastle was ‘penalty’, the first thought today was ‘penalty’, but for us the first thought was ‘red card’.

If results don’t pick up soon for Naismith he might be out of a job before Hearts visit Celtic Park on December 16, the weekend of the League Cup Final.

Three SPFL Premiership clubs have already changed manager this season, last season that tally reached six with Naismith as likely a candidate for the sack as anyone else in the top flight.