Rangers and Steven Naismith seem to have a bit of a love-hate relationship nowadays.
In the past, Naisy has spoken highly of the club. Despite leaving when the club was on its knees back in 2012, it’s clear his affection for Ibrox is still strong.
Not strong enough however for all supporters to relate with him. Many still haven’t forgiven him for walking out of the club when they desperately needed players. It was a low moment and dark day in the history of Rangers.
To this day, the likes of Steven Whittaker and Naismith both get hounded when they face the Gers for their decisions to walk out.
Therefore, when the choice was open regarding a potential move for the Hearts man to Rangers this summer, many declined the idea. Rangers ultimately decided against going in for Naismith, and eventually signed Kyle Lafferty instead.
Interestingly, Lafferty himself also left the club for Sion when liquidation arrived. Allan McGregor was another who departed during the dark days. Both have now returned and are loved by a sizable section of the supporters.
There’s no denying that, if Naismith signed and started scoring goals, history would’ve been forgotten about. Not to every fan of course, but certainly to plenty of them.
A big Ibrox return
This weekend, he’ll return to Ibrox for the second time since leaving. Once again, it’s with Hearts.
Many could be forgiven for not remembering the last time Naismith pitched up on Edmiston Drive with the Jambos. That was during a 2-0 defeat for Hearts in a match that Naismith was anonymous in.
Performing and scoring goals against either half of the Old Firm has been a challenge for the Scotsman. Despite bagging two goals for Scotland already this season, he’s yet to score against Rangers or Celtic whilst in Gorgie.
He did put in a thoroughly impressive display against Celtic earlier this season. Lafferty’s goal secured the points, but Naismith terrorised Brendan Rodgers’ men all game with his energy and drive.
On Sunday, we’re going to find out whether Rangers really did miss the boat on the Scottish international. He’s already off to a flyer this season, and has scored 10 goals in 14 appearances this term. It’s early days, but it’s already a lot more convincing than the four in 15 he scored for the Jambos last season.
He looks a lot more comfortable and is thriving at Tynecastle under Craig Levein as they look to mount a real title-challenge.
Did Rangers miss a trick in not going for him? We’re about to have the answer to that question on Sunday.
