Barrie McKay in 'top Hearts category' as Steven Naismith tips comeback star to make big impact

Steven Naismith has nothing but admiration for Barrie McKay after the injury-plagued Hearts star refused to write his season off.

Winger McKay has managed just nine appearances this term with cruciate ligament damage derailing his campaign. But the 29-year-old has returned to the fold for the run-in and earned valuable minutes from the bench against Kilmarnock and St Mirren.

Now, Naismith hopes the Scotland cap can help fire the Jambos to Scottish Cup glory and secure guaranteed European football for next term. The Tynecastle gaffer said: "Barrie is now an experienced player and a leader. His day-to-day routine is all really good. The frustration is that he does all that, then gets an injury which sets him back for months. What chance have you got?

"With this second injury, I've been surprised at how hard he's worked. He has been really strong. When I got my second knee injury as a player, I was deflated. To have two really bad injuries that close together, there could be that element of, 'I'm writing this season off'. But he's not. He has been the opposite.

"I would say Baz has worked harder this time than he did at the start, which tells you all you need to know about his character. Last week was his first real game so he was on the bench. His training has been good and he is getting back to sharpness, so he is available for selection. If we think he's ready to start then we will play him. If not, we will wait. There isn't any condition on his minutes.

"Hopefully Barrie can contribute enough from now until the summer that he looks back on it as a worthwhile season, despite the hard times. On raw ability, Baz is in the top category of anybody at the club. A guy like that coming back in will be good for the squad and for him personally."