Hearts boss Daniel Stendel has said he already knew Steven Naismith’s qualities before he took the job at Tynecastle and admits the forward’s quality is crucial to Hearts’ success.

The German faced Naismith when his Hannover side took on Norwich City in a pre-season friendly in 2016. Little did he know he would be managing the Scot just four years later in Gorgie.

And Stendel knows that Naismith is crucial to Hearts chances of climbing the table, starting with their clash against Hamilton tomorrow.

“I was aware of his talents [Naismith’s] before I took the job,” he said: “He played well when my Hannover team played against Norwich so I know him a little better than the other guys here.

“I’ve watched the recent games he played before I took over and although he isn’t the youngest, he has some of the most experience and really good quality which can help us to create more chances in the final third.”

Hearts travel to face Hamilton tomorrow and Stendel is hopeful Naismith will be fit for the crunch match. “I feel he can help the team so much”, Stendel said. “On and off the pitch he is really important for this club and if he is fit hopefully, he can have a good impact on the next few games and help the team. “