MX23RW : Wednesday, December 18 12:12:24| >> :600:347036:347036:

Scotland boss Gordon Strachan praises Steven Naismith

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan praises Everton's Steven Naismith ahead of his side's meeting with the Republic of Ireland.

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan has praised Everton forward Steven Naismith for allying a "touch of class" with more workman-like qualities.

The Toffees forward has been in impressive form for Roberto Martinez's side this term, scoring four times, and Strachan has talked up the former Rangers man ahead of his side's meeting with the Republic of Ireland on Friday.

"I think Steven is a treat for a manager because, when you pick him, you know fine well what you are going to get," he told reporters.

"He might not always be magnificent but he's workman-like with a touch of class at times. Whatever happens during a game, he is never going to be hiding. You are always going to see him one way or another.

"He can float in and out of different positions and is always a threat. If you want to push up, he can run in behind. If you want to play deeper he will come and take the ball. It's handy if you have got all these assets in a player."

Scotland are currently fourth in Group D in their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.

ID:188023: cacheID:188023:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2310:
Written by
Paul Gorst
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Steven Naismith of Everton celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Chelsea at Goodison Park on August 30, 2014
Read Next:
Naismith: Moyes treated "unfairly" at Man Utd
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Bournemouth167452421325
7Aston Villa167452425-125
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham165472129-819
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255


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!