Steven Naismith

Steven John Naismith (born 14 September 1986 in Irvine, North Ayrshire) is a professional Scottish association footballer who is currently playing for Scottish Premier League club Rangers and Scotland.

Early life

A resident of Stewarton, Naismith attended Lainshaw Primary School and Stewarton Academy, whilst his footballing education took place with local junior team Stewarton Annick.

Club career

Kilmarnock

Naismith played several years in the Kilmarnock youth team before signing professionally for Kilmarnock on 31 August 2002. He made his senior debut in the 2003–04 season as a substitute against Hibernian in April 2004. This was in a season where he helped Kilmarnock under-19s win the Scottish Youth Cup against Rangers 1–0 at Rugby Park. He scored his first senior goal for the club in a 2–2 draw with Hearts in February 2005.

In the 2005–06 season he won the Scottish Football Writers' Young Player Of The Year Award, after scoring 12 goals during the season. He played in the striker position, and also on the left of midfield.

Naismith's performances led to a two-day trial with Arsenal in August 2006. Naismith scored his first professional hat-trick, in a 3–0 Scottish League Cup semi-final victory over...
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