Hearts manager Craig Levein has no fears about Steven Naismith starting three games in eight days after his comeback from knee surgery.

Naismith played 78 minutes of Saturday’s 2-0 defeat by Aberdeen in his first appearance in eight weeks.

And Levein is ready to start the forward against Hamilton on Boxing Day as well as the Edinburgh derby three days later.

“I don’t think there is any problem,” Levein said. “His fitness isn’t an issue. He did a lot of work when he came back after his little op on his knee. He has got a good engine already and I have no fears about him.”

Hearts only won one match in nine games during Naismith’s absence but Levein is confident ahead of the Tynecastle clash.

“It’s an important match for us,” he said. “I felt good about a lot of stuff we did on Saturday, our football was better. The likes of Steven back in the team helps that.

“We get Arnaud Djoum back, who is one of our best players. So I feel good about this match.

“I know Hamilton had a good result at the weekend against Kilmarnock but I feel that the players are getting their confidence back and that will help us in this match.”