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Craig Levein has made a playful attempt to sabotage Steven Naismith’s dream move to the MLS.

The Hearts gaffer revealed he has contacted Alex McLeish asking him not to pick the striker for Scotland if he continues his career across the Atlantic.

Levein is desperate to keep the Norwich star beyond this season’s loan spell and reckons he still has so much to offer the Scottish game.

The ex-Scotland boss insists Naismith would be better off in the Premiership rather than risking his Euro 2020 opportunity by heading abroad.

(Image: SNS Group) (Image: SNS Group)

Naismith netted two goals for Scotland in the autumn as a flying start to the season saw him return to the fold after 18 months.

Levein said: “Naisy will go on to be a coach and at that point he can go and coach in MLS, I would suggest. I’ve actually sent an email to Alex asking him, ‘If anyone goes to MLS, would you consider not picking them?’.

“As a result of his efforts at Hearts he has got himself back in the Scotland squad and scored important goals. All being well we probably have the best opportunity for a very long time as a national team of qualifying for a major tournament.

“I’m sure Naisy would be part of that as it stands.

“There is a whole generation of players who have never played in a major tournament and Naisy could be part of Euro 2020, which has come as a result of his performances here. Naisy is such a competitive boy I don’t think he’ll enjoy it if someone beside him doesn’t have the same mindset.

(Image: SNS Group)

“I’m not saying MLS isn’t competitive but Naisy’s character is perfect for Scottish football.

“He is always pushing, always on at people, always cajoling and whipping them and that earned his return to the Scotland squad.

“I’d be hopeful he is enjoying it enough at Hearts to stay. He is so well respected here and the impact he has had at this club is quite important.

“It is good for him to be important. He has already spent a spell latterly at Norwich where he was out of the picture and he has thrived coming back into the spotlight.

“However, no matter what he decides, I won’t lose any respect for him. He’s a brilliant boy.”

Michael Smith being sidelined for up to eight weeks with a torn thigh muscle has opened the door for 21-year-old Marcus Godinho.

He said: “It has been choppy on the back of injuries and tough to get a run of games. Now the opportunity is there and I am determined to make this my spot.”