Jason Naismith gives lowdown on Hibs future amid talk of Peterborough recall

Jason Naismith is on loan to Hibs from Peterborough. Pic: SNS

Jason Naismith explained that he loves life at Hibs so much he hasn’t given a second thought to the possibility of returning to Peterborough United.

The former St Mirren and Ross County right-back is midway through a season-long loan at Easter Road and has made a positive impression so far, starting each of the last ten games before the winter break.

Peterborough are aware of his form at Easter Road, with chairman Darragh MacAnthony - replying to a Posh supporter who had asked if Naismith might be recalled - tweeting last week: “Heard he is doing brilliant. If they (Hibs) don’t buy him, then yes it’s something to be looked at.”

It is understood the English League One club have no option to cut short the loan deal this month. Naismith is relishing the second half of the season at Easter Road.

“As far as I know I’ll definitely be here for the rest of the season,” he told the Evening News. “Going back down the road is something I haven’t even thought about - I’m happy here. I love it. Every day, I’m proud to represent this club. I love coming into training, I love being a Hibs player. I’m just enjoying every moment of it and just trying to give my best.”

Naismith has 18 months left on his contract at Peterborough, where is still highly regarded. The player himself insists it is still far too early to predict how things will pan out upon expiry of his loan stint with Hibs this summer. “I’ve not thought about what will happen at the end of the season,” he said. “That’s looking too far ahead. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. The main focus for me is on the second half of this season at Hibs and racking up as many appearances as I can for this club and hopefully being successful.”

In his early months at Easter Road, Naismith shared right-back duties with Tom James but he he has made the position his own ever since being restored to the starting lineup by caretaker Eddie May for the 4-1 win at St Johnstone in November. The 25-year-old will now face fresh competition for his place from David Gray, with the club captain back in contention after being sidelined since August.

“I’ve played ten games in a row now so I feel like my foot’s well in at Hibs now,” said Naismith. “I want to maintain my place in the team and I’ll be working hard to do so because obviously there’s a lot of competition for places here. Davie’s obviously back now and it’s good to have him back. We can push each other on and it’ll be good for the club.”