Steven Naismith's future at Everton hangs in balance
Thursday 10 December 2015 11:30, UK
Steven Naismith's career at Everton will be discussed in January as boss Roberto Martinez weighs up his attacking options.
The Scottish striker has found himself increasingly sidelined, with Romelu Lukaku, Arouna Kone, Gerard Deulofeu and Ross Barkley monopolising the attacking positions.
Norwich, Everton's opponents on Saturday, made a deadline-day bid for Naismith in the summer but were rebuffed by Martinez.
With the 29-year-old not featuring in a Premier League game since October 17 against Manchester United, a move in January looks increasingly likely.
On a potential Naismith exit, Martinez said: "That's something we need to look into whenever that situation arises. It happened in August, it wasn't the right time. We're going to see how the next three or four weeks go.
"It's so important to have a strong squad. We've got a period of a lot of games in a short amount of days and every single player will have a very important role in those weeks.
"So I'm sure in four or five weeks we'll have a clear idea of where we are and it'll be the right time to make a decision.
"Steven is a very intelligent man, intelligent footballer, and I think he's got an incredible degree of confidence.
"It is true it's been very frustrating for certain players in those attacking positions due to the fact some of the players that are playing in those roles have reached an incredible level of form. I think as a player you understand that."
It has been a stop-start season for Naismith who has played in two Capital One Cup clashes over the last six weeks, but has only been involved in nine Premier League games in the whole top-flight campaign.
Earlier this week, he told Sky Sports News HQ: "It's frustrating when you're not playing and it's hard to deal with in terms of building up in the week then adapting your training when you don't play so you are still fit and ready.
"I think the manager had mentioned about sitting down and talking to me and I'm sure he will do that. At the moment I just want to concentrate on helping Everton as a team.
"It's a fantastic club. I feel really part of it but - like any footballer - when you're not playing you definitely need to look at all your options and see what is going to happen."
