Even before Rangers’ 2-1 defeat to Hearts, Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard admitted that he had one eye on signing now Jambos rival and captain Steven Naismith.
Gerrard praised the fiery striker prior to the match saying he “possibly” may have been looking at the player in the summer, adding Hearts are a “different team” with him playing [Daily Record].
Naismith – who moved to Norwich from Everton for £8.5m only three and a half years ago – proved that with a goal and rousing performance which embodied the effort of the victorious Hearts team.
Signing a four-year deal in the summer after being released from the Canaries, Naismith remains a class apart for Hearts and despite niggling injuries is the focal point of the Tynecastle side.
Whilst there will be few Rangers fans who don’t rate the striker as a player, it’s the nature of his departure which means some supporters wouldn’t have taken him back at Ibrox.
Denouncing the newco which took over at Rangers back in 2012, his comments about the club have never been forgotten by the Ibrox support.
Even if Naismith does say he regrets them [BBC Scotland].
But with a distinct lack of bite clear in the match at Tynecastle yesterday, did Rangers miss a trick by not swallowing their pride and moving for the striker?
Naismith is a born winner. He won three league championships with Rangers and has previously played alongside Steven Davis and Allan McGregor.
Gerrard admitted he possibly had one eye on the player but for whatever reason – be it his history with the fans or even because of the failed Kyle Lafferty signing last year – the club never moved.
Did Rangers make a mistake not following up their interest in the hard-working 33-year-old striker?
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