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Steven Naismith

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Steven Naismith
Naismith playing for Rangers
Personal information
Full name Steven John Naismith
Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position(s) Forward
Team information
Current team
 Rangers
Number 14
Youth career
2002–2003 Kilmarnock
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2003–2007 Kilmarnock 102 (29)
2007– Rangers 95 (27)
International career‡
2006–2008 Scotland U21 15 (5)
2006–2009 Scotland B 3 (1)
2007– Scotland 13 (2)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 13:52, 24 September 2011 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 6 September 2011

Steven John Naismith (born 14 September 1986) is a Scottish association footballer who is currently playing for Scottish Premier League club Rangers and the Scotland national team.

Naismith began his career with Kilmarnock in 2004. He spent four years with the Ayrshire side during that time he won the SFWA Young Player of the Year in 2006 and the SPFA Young Player of the Year award the following season. Naismith joined Rangers in the summer of 2007 for a fee of £1.9m. While with the club he has won three consecutive league titles, the scottish cup and two league cups.

Naismith made his full international debut in 2007 against the Faroe Islands and has 13 caps.

Early life

A resident of Stewarton, Naismith attended Lainshaw Primary School and Stewarton Academy, whilst his footballing education took place with local boys club team Stewarton Annick.[1] Naismith had also been on the books at Rangers as a youngster.[1]

Club career

Kilmarnock

Naismith played several years in the Kilmarnock youth team before signing professionally for Kilmarnock on 31 August 2002.[2] He made his senior debut in the 2003–04 season as a substitute against Hibernian in April 2004.[1] This was in a season where he helped Kilmarnock under-19s win the Scottish Youth Cup against Rangers 1–0 at Rugby Park.[1] He scored his first senior goal for the club in a 2–2 draw with Heart of Midlothian in February 2005.[3]

In the 2005–06 season he won the Scottish Football Writers' Player of the Year award, after scoring twelve goals during the season.[4] He played in the striker position, and also on the left of midfield.

Naismith's performances led to a two-day trial with Arsenal in August 2006.[5] Naismith scored his first professional hat-trick, in a 3–0 Scottish League Cup semi-final victory over Falkirk.[6][7] Naismith received the Scottish PFA Young Player of the Year award in the 2006–07 season.[8]

Rangers made a bid of around £400,000 for the striker in June 2007, with Kilmarnock officials incensed by what they considered to be a derisory offer.[9] It was then widely reported that Naismith had handed in an official transfer request.[10] BBC Sport then reported that Kilmarnock were close to accepting a bid of around £2m from Rangers' Old Firm rivals Celtic.[11] Shortly afterwards, Naismith withdrew his transfer request.[12]

Rangers

2007-08

On 31 August 2007, Kilmarnock had accepted Rangers' offer for Naismith, a bid in the region of £1.9m[13] and he joined the club just 19 seconds before the transfer window closed.[13] The following day Naismith made his debut as an 83rd minute substitute against Gretna.[14] He scored his first goal for Rangers in a 3–0 win over Aberdeen on 23 September 2007.[15] Naismith made his Champions League debut at the Nou Camp against FC Barcelona in November 2007, coming on as a 78th minute substitute.[16][17] He scored in consecutive games against Hibernian[18] and Dundee United[19] at the turn of the year during season 2007-08. A month later he then scored his fourth and fifth goals for Rangers against Falkirk[20] and Gretna[21].

During Rangers' Scottish Cup semi-final against St. Johnstone in April 2008, St. Johnstone player Martin Hardie stepped on Naismith's left knee and appeared to injure him.[22] However, after initially limping off the pitch he returned to the field of play, only to collapse a short time later and required to be stretchered off.[22] Following surgery the following month, Naismith was ruled out of action for possibly up to a year,[23] but returned to training after eight months.[24]

2008-09

Naismith returned to action in December 2008, playing in a reserve match against St. Mirren and made a return to the first team football in January 2009 during the Scottish Cup, coincidentally St. Johnstone were the opponents.[25] Naismith featured in the 2009 Scottish Cup Final win over Falkirk after missing the majority of the season through injury.[26]

2009-10

Naismith opened his account for the 2009-10 season by scoring the fourth in a 4–1 win over Falkirk[27] and followed this by winning a late and decisive penalty against Hearts at Tynecastle, which team mate Kris Boyd converted. The penalty proved to be the winning goal.[28] Naismith then netted in the Scottish League Cup match against Queen of the South in September 2009.[29]

In the 2010 League Cup Final win over St. Mirren Naismith set up Kenny Miller for the winning goal through a counter attack after Rangers had been reduced to nine men.[30]

Towards the end of the season Naismith scored two goals against Hearts at Tynecastle in March 2010.[31] Naismith made 25 league appearances during season 2009–10 and duly received his first SPL winners medal after Rangers clinched back to back titles.[32]

2010-11

In the first match of the 2010-11 season Naismith scored as Rangers beat Kilmarnock 2-1.[33] Naismith then scored in consecutive games against Dundee United[34] and Dunfermline[35] in September 2010. On 29 September 2010, Naismith scored the only goal of the game as Rangers defeated Bursaspor at Ibrox to gain them their 1st win in 12 UEFA Champions League matches.[36] Naismith followed this Champions League goal up with the winning goal deep into stoppage time against Hearts at Tynecastle in October.[37] Further goals against Motherwell,[38] Kilmarnock[39] and St Mirren[40] took Naismith's goal tally to eight for Rangers at the turn of the year in season 2010-11.

On 22 December 2010, Naismith signed a new four-and-a-half year contract to stay with the Rangers, keeping him tied to the club until at least May 2015.[41]

After new year Naismith scored the winning goal in the Scottish League Cup semi final against Motherwell at Hampden Park[42] Naismith was then sent off in the 2-2 draw with Celtic at Ibrox in the Scottish Cup after a second yellow card.[43] Goals against Motherwell,[44] Dundee United[45] and St Johnstone[46] took Naismith's tally to 11 for the season. Naismith then scored two goals in a 5-0 win over Motherwell in April 2011[47] In the final game of the 2010-11 season Naismith scored in the 5-1 win over Kilmarnock which won the league title for the third consecutive time for Rangers.[48]

Season 2010-11 proved to be Naismith's most prolific to date in a Rangers shirt, scoring 15 goals.[49]

Naismith was nominated for the SPFA player of the year award after his performances throughout the 2010-11 season.[50] Naismith won both the Rangers players player of the year and the supporters player of the year for season 2010-11.[51]

2011-12

Naismith scored again on the first day of the SPL season against Hearts at Ibrox in a 1-1 draw.[52] In the following SPL match against St Johnstone Naismith scored again as Rangers won 2-0.[53] In August 2011 Naismith scored in consecutive games against Motherwell[54] and Aberdeen.[55]

In the first old firm derby of the season Naismith scored twice against Celtic on the 18th September 2011 as Rangers won 4-2, this was the first time he had scored in a match against Celtic.[56] Six days later against Dunfermline Athletic Naismith scored twice again to take his tally to eight goals in eight league games.[57] Naismith was handed a two match retrospective suspension by the SFA for elbowing Austin McCann during the game against Dunfermline. Naismith stated there was no deliberate intent and had already had an apology accepted by the player.[58]

International career

Naismith scored on his debut for Scotland U21s, in a 4–0 victory against Iceland U21s in March 2006.[59] In the same month he scored on his debut for the Scotland B team, against Turkey B in a 3–2 defeat.[60]

Naismith was called up to the Scotland squad for the first time in June 2007,[61] and made his debut as a late substitute in the 2–0 win over the Faroe Islands. Naismith captained the Scotland U21 team later that year, and scored a winning goal against the Czech Republic U21s.[62] Naismith received his second international cap when he started the world cup qualifier against Holland at Hampden Park in September 2009 which Scotland lost 1-0.[63] Naismith's third international cap was against Wales in a 3-0 friendly defeat.[64]

Naismith was selected for all three of Scotlands matches in the Carling Nations Cup when Scotland reached the final but were defeated by the Republic of Ireland.[65]

In the Euro 2012 championship qualifiers Naismith played in both matches home and away against Lithuania, both matches against the Czech Republic, the home match against Lichtenstein and the home match against Spain.[65] Naismith scored his first goal for Scotland in the 3–2 loss to Spain on 12 October 2010 in the Euro 2012 qualifiers.[66] Naismith scored the winning goal in the home match against Lithuania in September 2011 to keep Scotlands hopes of reaching the championship alive.[67]

International goals

Goal Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 12 October 2010 Hampden Park, Glasgow  Spain 1–2 2–3 UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
2. 6 September 2011 Hampden Park, Glasgow  Lithuania 1–0 1-0 UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying

Style of play

Although Naismith traditionally started his career as a striker he has also been effectively used as a Midfielder.[68] Naismith has been used on both right and left flanks for Rangers but also as a central midfielder with his versatility a key attribute.[68] Former coach at Kilmarnock Billy Brown likened Naismith's play with Alan Smith who started his career as a striker but ended up playing midfield for Manchester United.[68]

Naismith's play has also been attributed to his committed and fearless nature with an awareness and shrewdness which is required to play in a number of positions on the park.[68] Scotland national team manager Craig Levein has been known to utilise Naismith for his attacking instincts, workrate and sense of responsibility.[68] Rangers manager Ally McCoist believes that Naismith's natural zest and enthusiasm are some of his biggest strengths.[69]

Career statistics

As of 24 September 2011
Club Season League Scottish Cup League Cup Europe Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Kilmarnock 2003–04 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2004–05 24 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 27 2
2005–06 36 13 1 0 2 0 0 0 39 13
2006–07 37 15 1 0 5 4 0 0 43 19
2007–08 4 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 5 1
Total 102 29 5 1 8 5 0 0 115 35
Rangers 2007–08 21 5 6 0 0 0 4 0 31 5
2008–09 7 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 11 0
2009–10 28 3 3 0 4 1 4 0 39 4
2010–11 31 11 3 0 4 3 7 1 45 15
2011–12 8 8 0 0 1 0 3 0 12 8
Total 95 27 15 0 10 4 18 1 138 32
Career total 197 56 20 1 18 9 18 1 253 67

Honours

Rangers

Personal awards

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Steven Naismith Rangers Biography". Rangers F.C. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  2. ^ Scottish Football League (2004). The Bell's Scottish Football Review 2004/05. CRE8. ISBN 0-9548556-0-4. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  3. ^ "Hearts 2–2 Kilmarnock". BBC Sport. 5 February 2005.
  4. ^ "Naismith young player of the year". BBC Sport. 14 April 2006.
  5. ^ "Naismith to have trial at Arsenal". BBC Sport. 26 August 2006.
  6. ^ "Kilmarnock 3–0 Falkirk". BBC Sport. 30 January 2007.
  7. ^ "Details of Naismith's hat-trick". World Football Register.
  8. ^ "Naismith nets young player prize". BBC Sport. 22 April 2007.
  9. ^ "Rangers attempt to sign Naismith". BBC Sport. 4 June 2007.
  10. ^ "Naismith makes move with transfer request". The Herald. 27 July 2007.
  11. ^ "Killie blast Celtic over Naismith". BBC Sport. 2 August 2007.
  12. ^ "Naismith to stick with Kilmarnock". BBC Sport. 4 August 2007.
  13. ^ a b "Naismith makes late Rangers move". BBC Sport. 31 August 2007.
  14. ^ "Rangers 4–0 Gretna". BBC Sport. 1 September 2007.
  15. ^ "Rangers 3–0 Aberdeen". BBC Sport. 23 September 2007.
  16. ^ "Uefa Profile". UEFA. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  17. ^ "Barcelona 2-0 Rangers". BBC Sport. November 7, 2007. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  18. ^ "Hibernian 1-2 Rangers". Rangers F.C. December 29, 2007. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  19. ^ "Rangers 2-0 Dundee United". BBC Sport. January 5, 2008. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  20. ^ "Rangers 2-0 Falkirk". BBC Sport. February 9, 2008. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  21. ^ "Rangers 4-2 Gretna". BBC Sport. February 24, 2008. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  22. ^ a b "St Johnstone 1-1 Rangers". Daily Record. April 21, 2008. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  23. ^ "Successful ops for duo" Rangers F.C., 20 May 2008
  24. ^ "Steven Naismith seeks Rangers return after injury nightmare". The Telegraph. January 1, 2009. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  25. ^ "St Johnstone 0-2 Rangers". Daily Record. January 14, 2009. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  26. ^ "Rangers 1 Falkirk 0: Match report". The Telegraph. May 30, 2009. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  27. ^ "Rangers 4-1 Falkirk". BBC Sport. August 15, 2009. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  28. ^ "SPL: Hearts 1 Rangers 2". Daily Record. 24 August 2009.
  29. ^ "Queen of South 1-2 Rangers". BBC Sport. September 23, 2009. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  30. ^ "Kenny Miller sees nine-man Rangers through to victory". The Telegraph. March 21, 2010. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  31. ^ "Hearts 1-4 Rangers". BBC Sport. March 27, 2010. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  32. ^ "Naismith Statistics". Soccerbase. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  33. ^ "Rangers 2-1 Kilmarnock". BBC Sport. August 14, 2010. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  34. ^ "Rangers 4-0 Dundee Utd". BBC Sport. September 18, 2010. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  35. ^ "Rangers 7-2 Dunfermline". BBC Sport. September 21, 2010. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  36. ^ "Rangers 1–0 Bursaspor". BBC Sport. 29 September 2010.
  37. ^ "Hearts 1-2 Rangers". BBC Sport. October 2, 2010. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  38. ^ "Rangers 4-1 Motherwell". BBC Sport. October 16, 2010. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  39. ^ "Kilmarnock 0-2 Rangers". BBC Sport. October 27, 2010. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  40. ^ "St Mirren 1 - 3 Rangers". BBC Sport. November 7, 2010. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  41. ^ "Steven Naismith signs long-term Rangers deal". BBC Sport. 22 December 2010.
  42. ^ "Rangers 2-1 Motherwell". BBC Sport. January 30, 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  43. ^ "El Hadji Diouf stays calm as Celtic haul back Rangers in Scottish Cup". The Guardian. February 6, 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  44. ^ "Rangers 6-0 Motherwell". BBC Sport. February 12, 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  45. ^ "Rangers 2-3 Dundee Utd". BBC Sport. April 2, 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  46. ^ "St Johnstone 0-2 Rangers". BBC Sport. April 5, 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  47. ^ "Motherwell 0-5 Rangers". BBC Sport. April 30, 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  48. ^ "Kilmarnock 1 - 5 Rangers". BBC Sport. May 15, 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  49. ^ "Naismith Statistics". Soccerbase. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  50. ^ "Scotland's player of the year awards nominees announced". BBC Sport. April 14, 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  51. ^ "Naismith nets Rangers' player of the year award from both fans and fellow players". Th Daily Mail. April 18, 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  52. ^ "Rangers 1-1 Hearts". BBC Sport. July 23, 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  53. ^ "St Johnstone 0-2 Rangers". BBC Sport. July 30, 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  54. ^ "Motherwell 0-3 Rangers". BBC Sport. August 21, 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  55. ^ "Rangers 2-0 Aberdeen". BBC Sport. August 28, 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  56. ^ "Rangers 4-2 Celtic". BBC Sport. September 18, 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  57. ^ "Dunfermline 0-4 Rangers". BBC Sport. September 24, 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  58. ^ "Two Match Ban For Naismith". Rangers F.C. September 26, 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  59. ^ "Scotland U21 4–0 Iceland U21". BBC Sport. 28 February 2006.
  60. ^ "Scotland Future 2–3 Turkey Future". BBC Sport. 15 March 2006.
  61. ^ "Naismith drafted into Scots squad". BBC Sport. 1 June 2007.
  62. ^ "Scotland U21 1-0 Czech Rep U21". BBC Sport. August 21, 2007. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  63. ^ "SCOTLAND v NETHERLANDS". Scottish FA. September 9, 2009. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  64. ^ "WALES v SCOTLAND". SFA. November 14, 2009. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  65. ^ a b "Naismith SFA Profile". Scottish FA. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  66. ^ "Scotland 2 – 3 Spain". ESPN Soccernet. 12 October 2010. Retrieved 14 October 2010.
  67. ^ "Scotland 1-0 Lithuania". BBC Sport. September 6, 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  68. ^ a b c d e Wilson, Richard (September 20, 2011). "Naismith: the heartbeat of Rangers". The Herald. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  69. ^ "Rangers' Steven Naismith banned after elbow incident". BBC Sport. September 26, 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  70. ^ "Naismith young player of the year". BBC Sport. 14 April 2006. Retrieved 14 September 2011.
  71. ^ "Naismith nets young player prize". BBC Sport. 22 April 2007. Retrieved 2 May 2011.
  72. ^ "Rangers' Steven Naismith wins October player prize". BBC Sport. 9 November 2010.

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