Steven Naismith reckons it was ‘naive’ from Kenneth Vargas to say what he did about potentially leaving Hearts.
But the man who took him to Gorgie has plenty of sympathy for the Costa Rican – even if he isn’t playing well enough to back up his eyebrow-raising quotes. Forward Vargas did an interview back home in which he outlined his desire to play at a higher level, bringing up the possibility of leaving in the January transfer window and mentioning an exit clause in his contract. It sparked a furious reaction among some Tynecastle punters, feeling he should focus on proving himself in Scotland first before he thinks about a higher level.
He’s since come out swinging, claiming his words were twisted and taken out of context. But Naismith, who brought him to Gorgie last year, doesn’t see it that way. And he doubts his form, with two goals in 19 appearances this season, puts his money where his mouth is. He said on BBC’s Off the Ball: “I think he’s been naive, I don’t think he’s just been taken straight out of context. He’s done an interview, at times potentially not knowing it’s going to get bounced back here. I’ve played with a lot of players that have gone international and they’ve come back and they’ve said all sorts.
“He’s a driven young player, he’s got a young son, his goal is to get him everything he can. That’s to go to the highest level, there’s no doubt about that.
“Has Kenneth done well enough this season to be saying that? Probably not. But his potential is really big. I think the biggest thing he’s lacking at the moment is that last wee bit of finesse in the final third in front of goal. So I think there’s a bit of naivety but also it has been taken the wrong way.”