Naismith, who played for Rangers until 2012, is keen to start for Scotland against Albania.
Hearts ace and former Rangers man Steven Naismith has been quoted by the Daily Mail as saying that he is desperate to replace Leigh Griffiths in the Scotland side, if the Celtic striker is unable to play due to injury.
Griffiths, 28, was replaced at half-time during the 4-0 loss to Roberto Martinez’s Belgium last week, as he limped through to the half-time whistle. His calf problems continue to cause him concern.
Naismith, 31, has enjoyed an electrifying start to the 2018-19 season with Craig Levein’s Hearts, scoring seven goals and creating another three strikes in just eight league and cup encounters.
He came off the bench in Griffiths’ place on Friday and could start from the off as Scotland begin their UEFA Nations League campaign on Monday against Albania at Hampden Park. Naismith is very keen to do so, if Griffiths is sidelined.
‘Am I up for the job of filling in for Leigh if he doesn’t make Monday? Oh definitely, you can’t pick and choose where you play in the national team,” Naismith said.
“But I do feel comfortable up there. I’ve done it at home against Croatia and many other times too. I’ll play where the manager wants me to.”
A 46-time Scotland international, Naismith has broken back into the international scene after moving back to Scotland with Hearts after a nightmare spell at Norwich City where he had been ostracised by German manager Daniel Farke.
Now, the former Everton man has got his career back on track in his home country, after first moving down south from Rangers in 2012 where he scored 33 goals and created 30 in 132 appearances for the Gers.
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