The Scotland international says he has already witnessed first-hand how former Rangers team-mate Nikica Jelavic has improved under the tutelage of the Blues boss since swapping Ibrox for Goodison almost a year ago. And even though Naismith, 26, has had less time to benefit from Moyes’ nurturing after following Jelavic in the summer, he is confident he will also lift his game to another level with the guidance of his manager. He said:
“I would definitely say Niki has improved and that’s a trait from the manager himself. The players he has signed may not all come straight into the team but over a period of time he turns them all into better players.
“He has shown it – not just with Jela but others who have become established figures in the Premier League. Fellaini is now one of the top players, you’ve got Jagielka, like Bainsey, Osman, Tony Hibbert. They’ve all improved over the years under the manager’s guidance and I want to do the same.”
Naismith may have an opportunity to revive his attacking partnership with Jelavic against West Ham tomorrow in the absence of the suspended Marouane Fellaini. And although he would be happy to play alongside the Croatian again, his prioroty is simply being in the starting 11 as he bids to carry on improving.
“I think it wouldn’t make any difference whether I was playing up front or on the right, I just want to play,” he said.
Source: liverpool_echo
