SNS GroupHearts striker Steven Naismith has announced his retirement from playing football ahead of taking up a new role with the club.
Naismith, who has been capped 51 times by Scotland, has been appointed as football development manager at the Edinburgh side.
The 34-year-old also played for Kilmarnock, Rangers, Everton and Norwich City during his career.
He told Hearts’ website that he will now look to bring the experiences he has from his playing career into his new role.
“It is always a big decision for any player to hang up his boots, but I feel the time is now right to make a transformation from playing into a football development role,” said Naismith.
“I am fortunate and delighted that Hearts see me as someone that can bring a positive dynamic to the football development structure at the club, where I will be assisting and shaping the development of players making their way towards the first team.
“That point of transition is a very big one, as I know that from personal experience.
“The players need not only to be right technically and physically but also mentally, and I look forward to working with the players at Hearts and the directors, management, coaching, analysts, medical and science staff to give the manager the type of first-team ready players that can enhance the selection options he has.
“I have had great experiences and opportunities to learn from many great players, coaches, managers, analysts, sports scientists, doctors, physios, fitness, strength and speed coaches at club and international level.
“I will look to bring that experience and learning to the role and also seek to continue my path of ongoing education and self-development that have been part of my career to date.
He added: “I am truly excited by this new opportunity and thank Hearts for this offer to move to the next stage of my career.”
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