Heart of Midlothian were made to wait to secure European group-stage football after being held to a goalless draw away to fouth-placed Kilmarnock.

Steven Naismith was quizzed by the press pack at full-time. Here's everything the head coach had to say.

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Should you have had that wrapped up by half-time?

We should have had it won in the first half. Our performance today was brilliant. The only thing we missed was probably a few goals. We did everything but score. And that’s taking into account who we’re playing. This is one of the toughest places to come. I’m really pleased because of the chances we created but we just never got a goal.

Is it just bad luck or could Vargas or Grant have done a bit better?

I’ve not seen them back. I think the players did well but their keeper did well with a couple of them. It was just one of those days. The players didn’t do too much wrong and we hit the bar with Kenneth and Cammy. With where we are in the season, maybe if this was September I’d be more frustrated. But we’ve ticked a game off with a really good performance. The individuals will be kicking themselves because they didn’t score.

How’s Beni Baningime?

He’s fine, he just had a light head and he was feeling unwell. So that was it. When we went in at half-time he was alright. He was up and talking and felt back to normal. It was slightly disappointing to lose him but two academy players end up on the pitch and it gives them an opportunity.

Are you pleased that there didn’t appear to be a hangover from last week?

I said after the semi-final last week we were disappointed but we’re also driven. If we were five years down the line with this group of players coming to the end of a cycle with a demand to win a trophy - I’d be worried. We’re at the end of a very good first season. Today shows the drive we’ve got. We could have just turned up today because it would take an exceptional run from Kilmarnock to catch us. But we didn’t because we’re driven and it’s a great sign.

Did you enjoy seeing the fans with the beach balls?

The fans were great today and we want to enjoy this month because it’s so rare. Football is intense and demanding. You don’t enjoy these moments at the time. I won trophies and didn’t enjoy them until I looked back. Today has been a big step in getting us over the line because we’ve asked Kilmarnock to not drop a point until the end of the season against the best teams in the league. We’re in a really good place and we can enjoy this month before the challenges of next season.

Zander came back into the team and made a great save towards the end?

That’s the joy of having two really good goalies. Zander hasn’t played the last two games but was as solid as he’s been all season. I’m delighted for him but both of them are doing all they can to make the Euros squad. I think they’ve done all they could in the games they’ve played.