Steven Naismith believes it has "been a really good first half of the season" for Heart of Midlothian despite the media speculation around his position earlier in the campaign.

The Hearts head coach came under external pressure during the opening months of the campaign as the team struggled for consistency. They would, however, go on to win eight of their final 11 Premiership fixtures before the winter break, leaving them third with a five-point lead over Kilmarnock.

Naismith noted the VAR decisions that have gone against the team, most notably the non-penalty award in the draw with Ross County when Alan Forrest was booked for simulation. It has since been rescinded.

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"I think it’s been really good," he said. "We have dealt with the media speculation and the so-called pressure that comes with the job hasn’t been felt by me. Some of the games and the performances have been poor, but small margins have been the difference.

"We have probably been the unluckiest team with VAR – a lot of our other performances could have been a lot more comfortable if VAR was making the right decisions.

"We are sitting in third place with a bit of a gap, which is all you can ask for at this point of the season. I think the Livingston win and the Ross County result, even though it was only a draw, could play a big part later on in the season. So overall it’s been a really good first half of the season."

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Naismith confirmed after the win over Livingston on Tuesday that his players would be given time off after an intense period of games. He too will "take time" off.

"It’s full on," he admitted. "But I think you’re always thinking, ‘right, when we get back we need a plan here, how are we improving again, how are we developing?’. It’s a constant thing and it is never too far from my mind, but I will try and take some time to switch off."