Steven Naismith blames European hangover as Hearts save Kilmarnock stalemate

Steven Naismith blamed a European hangover and starting problems with new signings as Hearts stumbled to a goalless Premiership draw at home to Kilmarnock.

The Tynecastle side lacked the attacking spark needed to break down a resolute Kilmarnock, who took advantage of the best opportunities during the stalemate.

And Jambos technical director Naismith admits Thursday's meeting in the Europa League third qualifying round with Rosenborg in Norway seemed to have an effect on his players.

He said: "There was some frustration there, but I'm realistic and I have experience of being in these situations.

"There were a few new players who arrived, it's new for them, we played away in Europe and came back.

"You will have seen a million times that these are tough performances before you even look at the opponent.

“It was a slow start. Everyone was waiting for someone to trigger the performance, but as the game progressed and the second half developed, it was shaping up very well for us.

"We were very calm and we had Kilmarnock defended.

"A big positive is that we looked really safe at the back. That's one of the big areas we needed to improve on, in set pieces and general play, and I thought we looked solid."

The former Rangers and Scotland striker added: "(Thursday) is going to have an impact, no doubt. I've been there as a player - it's tough.

"Even if you prepare well and do everything right, it's an intense time. We haven't had the luxury of having a lot of competitive games and the adrenaline in game preparation also takes a toll on you. little.

"And we have new players who are still trying to fit in. So you have to juggle all that, but overall there were a lot of nice aspects to our performance."

Hearts are back at home on Thursday night for the second leg of the encounter with Rosenborg as they seek to overturn their 2-1 first leg deficit.

When asked if he was confident they could find a spark for this match, Naismith replied, "If we don't, we have a problem.

"If the players don't want to play on a European night at Tynecastle, then that's a problem. But I'm comfortable with that."

Meanwhile, Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes hailed his new side for taking their tally to four points after their upset win over Rangers on Matchday 1.

The Rugby Park side carried the greatest offensive threat and Kyle Magennis' header and Stuart Findlay's shot came closest to breaking the deadlock.

McInnes said, "We're not celebrating coming here and getting a point, the clean sheet and the performance.

"But what I celebrate privately is the kind of team we have become in a short time.

“After going through the Coupe de la Ligue stages and frantically trying to put together a team that could meet the demands, we had so much to do.

"But the team in the last two games has shown so many real qualities.

"It wasn't just a fight performance, it wasn't us hanging in there. Hearts came on for about 10 minutes towards the end, but I thought we were pretty confident and at the comfortable throughout.

"And I think we look like we've been playing together a lot longer than we have - and that's player proof.

"That's two clean sheets against Rangers and Hearts.

"It wasn't perfect, but it was a good performance, as it should be and it was comfortable enough for the vast majority."