Naismith: I am most comfortable through the middle

Scottish attacker Steven Naismith was delighted to be given a chance through the middle as the Everton man feels that is where he is most comfortable.

Naisy was given a rare chance to shine in a central forward role and excelled scoring two goals in a 4-0 victory away at Stevenage.

“It was nice to get a couple,” he said. “The manager spoke to me and said he was going to play me through the middle and I was pleased to hear that. I would say that is where I am most comfortable.

“To chip in with a couple of goals shows that I can play that role. Hopefully I have given the gaffer no concerns about putting me there in the future.”

Naismith could have had a hat-trick but his run was deemed to be off-side despite looking on and he then went on to finish wth style.

“When you are on two, you do think you are going to score more goals,” he added.

“I did do that – it was onside! I watched it back after the game.

“But the way we were playing meant we were making spaces for Ossie, Kevin and Aiden to create chances. I am happy to add two more goals but unfortunately I couldn’t get that hat-trick. Overall I am delighted with my performance.”

Naismith was full of support for his Everton team-mate Bryan Oviedo who suffered a horrendous injury at the Lamex stadium.  The Costa Rican international broke his leg in 2 places following an innocuous tackle, but Naismith said all his thoughts are with him.

“All our attentions turn to Bryan,” he insisted. “He is a player that in the past three or four months has shown everyone at Everton what he is capable of.

“For something so nasty to happen like that is not very nice at all.

“But I don’t think he could be at a better club for his rehab. The physios here are great and we have a squad here that will get behind him and give him the confidence Bryan needs to get himself back.”

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