Steven Naismith on Macaulay Tait importance, Scott Fraser update

The Hearts head coach spoke about the different performances across both halves, the formation change, the importance of Macaulay Tait and provided a Scott Fraser update.

READ MORE: Hearts analysis: Huge comeback, formation switch, defence issues, Lembikisa

Pleased with the way the team came back in the second half?

I'm delighted with the comeback. It is an area that we've highlighted before, about what we need to do to get back into games. Secondly, what you need to do when you get a goal back, or make it level, and how you manage the game. Our second-half performance was really good. We got chances early, scored a good goal, but we used that momentum and pressure. For most of the second half, it was attack v defence and we made the right choices when we got good opportunities

What was the thinking in making the formation change at half-time?

The first-half performance was terrible. We were laboured, slow and played into Dundee's hands. We spoke about how important it is after the [winter] break, the most crucial part of a season. So it was frustrating but we're here as a group, players come off, we change things because we all want to win, everyone understands that. I knew there needed to be a change because it was that flat. At half-time, this place was toxic. The players knew it wasn't good enough, we knew it wasn't good enough and the fans let us know it wasn't good enough, so you are in a really tough spot. For us to come back to win is a really good strength to have, that's twice we've been 2-0 down here and we've taken points from both games. That probably wouldn't have happened in previous seasons.

How important was Macaulay Tait?

He was the main thing. He is a brilliant player, he's a brilliant person. He's been patient. I've worked closely with him for two years and the development in his game has been massive. You are not going to get into Hearts first-team if you are not a good player but it is his understanding of the game. He was starting to dictate the game there, telling everybody what to do, where the ball should go, when we play forward, when we should keep the ball in the final third, when to risk it. Really big from him, it was a great performance and he was the catalyst but having Jorge Grant and Alan Forrest come on, they make a big difference as well. Overall a really good team performance in the second half.

How big can that goal be for Yutaro Oda's confidence?

Yeah, it will be big. That's probably the one thing you don't get in modern-day football you don't get is the understanding or time to survive first of all then progress. He's had it tight but he's a guy with good quality. We need to give him time. He's young, just 22, learning the game. In the second half, he was a constant threat which is a plus for us. I was happy for him.

These last two home games answer any questions about character, don't they?

Yeah but internally it is different to what perception is outside. I think it is clear we are a solid group, we're progressing. The comeback is progression from where we've been. But also the way we played within that, our main principles are still the same, we are still a constant threat and that is a big positive for us.

What's the latest on Denholm and Baningime's injuries?

We'll wait and see. They've come off with knocks. We'll see over the next few days whether they're going to be fit or not.

Do you have any concern with Shankland on penalties?

No, because up until three penalties ago it was brilliant. It's the same as when he wasn't scoring goals at the start of the season and then he went through two months of scoring nearly every week. He'll keep taking them and he'll start scoring again.

What's the latest with Scott Fraser?

No update, we're still waiting. I'm hoping it can be cleared for the weekend but basically, we're sitting waiting for Charlton to sign it off.

What is the hold up?

I've not got a clue what the issue is but he's been in here, he's been about so hopefully it's something that doesn't take too long.

Does the win give you confidence for the Aberdeen game?

It's a big week. This block of games is really important for us and we've now gone through in the cup and got three points. It's a big win for our confidence because of the way we've done. After the game we're saying the first half cannot happen again, it's not acceptable. That was coming from the players rather than me. Second half is more what we're about and probably the biggest thing we need to take away from it is how it affects the crowd.