MX23RW : Monday, June 3 18:58:16| >> :600:1458405:1458405:

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:
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
Championship Group
CCeltic550095306593
2RangersRangers531187325585
3Hearts513154421268
4Kilmarnock51224644256
5St Mirren51134652-647
6Dundee50144968-1942
Relegation Group
1Aberdeen54104852-448
2Hibernian52125259-746
3Motherwell52035659-343
4St Johnstone51132954-2535
5Ross County51223867-2935
RLivingston52122970-4125
 
First Phase
CCeltic33246380265478
2RangersRangers33243672234975
3Hearts33195946341262
4Kilmarnock33131284334951
5St Mirren33127143843-543
6Dundee331011124454-1041
7Hibernian33912124451-739
8Motherwell33813124651-537
9Aberdeen33811143549-1435
10St Johnstone33710162446-2231
11Ross County3379173256-2430
RLivingston3339212259-3718


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!