MX23RW : Wednesday, December 11 21:45:57| >> :600:106461:106461:

Hearts' Steven Naismith insists cup final defeat will not linger on

Hearts' Steven Naismith insists cup final defeat will not linger on
© Reuters
The Championship leaders lost 4-3 in a penalty shootout to Celtic at Hampden Park on Sunday.

Steven Naismith insists Hearts will shrug off their William Hill Scottish Cup final disappointment to refocus on a return to the Premiership.

The Championship leaders lost 4-3 in a penalty shootout to Celtic at Hampden Park on Sunday after coming back from 2-0 down at half-time to draw level then 3-2 down at half time in extra-time to draw 3-3.

Jambos goalkeeper Craig Gordon saved the first penalty of the shootout when he thwarted former team-mate Ryan Christie, but Hoops stopper Conor Hazard made saves from Stephen Kingsley and Craig Wighton to leave Kristoffer Ajer to slot in the winning spot-kick to secure Celtic the quadruple domestic treble.

Hearts will now turn their attention to the visit of Ayr United on Saturday.

Naismith, the Gorgie club's captain, said: "I don't think we will be feeling sorry for ourselves.

"I don't think that has entered anybody's mind. It was sheer disappointment because we were so close.

"At one point you are two penalties way. That is what is hurting, that we were that close to winning a Scottish Cup.

"It is hard work to get to a final, let alone win them. We put ourselves in some great situations and probably couldn't ask any more from the boys.

"We will be disappointed for a few days but I can't see it lingering on after that.

"We are fully focused in terms of what we need to do to this season to get back to the Premiership."

ID:427498: cacheID:427498:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2894:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Celtic manager Neil Lennon pictured on August 22, 2020
Read Next:
Neil Lennon delighted to rewrite record books
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic1514104444043
2Aberdeen16104230181234
3RangersRangers1510232791832
4Dundee UnitedDundee Utd156632215724
5Motherwell157171823-522
6Dundee165472729-219
7St Mirren165381926-718
8Ross County163671230-1815
9St Johnstone1642101829-1114
10Kilmarnock163581734-1714
11Hearts163491825-713
12Hibernian162681828-1012


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!