Steven Naismith returns to Hearts on season-long loan deal from Norwich City.

Steven Naismith has returned to Hearts on a season-long loan deal from Norwich City, subject to international clearance.

The 31-year-old rejoins the Jambos after spending the second-half of last season on loan in Gorgie.

Capped 45 times for Scotland, Steven made a big impact during his time in a maroon shirt, scoring four goals including a memorable winner against Hibernian in the final Edinburgh derby of the season under the Tynecastle floodlights.

The forward has already trained with his teammates and, pending international clearance, could be involved in this Saturday’s friendly match away to Dumbarton.

Speaking to heartsfc.co.uk, manager Craig Levein said: I’m thrilled. It’s not just the fact that he’s a really good player, he’s got a great work ethic and he’s got great talent as well.

“He’s a very, very useful addition and he did well for us last season.

“I had a chat with him at the end of the season and he felt that he had a bit of an interrupted preparation for the season and things didn’t go great at the beginning with Norwich, so he didn’t really start playing competitively until he came to us in January.

“I think he was getting better towards the end of the season.

“I feel that we’ve got a bit of time yet in this pre-season to get him up to speed.”