Former Rangers star Steven Naismith has been appointed head coach of Hearts U18s until the end of the season.
The move was made by the Jambos after previous U18s head coach John Rankin left to become assistant manager of Hamilton Academical.
Naismith, who won six major trophies at Rangers between 2007 and 2012 including three league titles, was already on the payroll at Tynecastle.
After helping Hearts earn promotion back to the Premiership, he retired from playing in June.
Since then, he’s been serving as football development manager at the Edinburgh club as well as assisting with their U18s.
The 34-year-old has also been doing some coaching work with the Scotland national team.
“We have, in Steven, someone who is vastly experienced and more than capable of leading our Under 18s for the remainder of the campaign,” said Jambos sporting director Joe Savage [Heartsfc.co.uk].
“He is someone that our young players look up to, such is his playing pedigree, and I’m very confident that he will be able to continue the great work that has been done in developing them for the future.”
Hearts are currently third in the U18 league table, with Rangers second and Dundee United top.
However, Hibs remain unbeaten and are only six points behind the leaders with five games in hand [Rfcyouths.wordpress.com].
Meanwhile, Rangers’ Europa League rivals Lyon suffered a shock defeat on Wednesday as a rematch with the Gers nears.
