Notes: Stephen is having a break-through season in 2004-05 for Kilmarnock. Has proven to be a bit of a goal scoring enigma at every stage of his career, including goals for the Scotland Under 18's and Killie's Under 21's & youth teams.

A product of Killie's  youth system and "blooded" by manager Jim Jefferries at the ripe old age of 18. 

Contract Update Feb 3rd 2005: Kilmarnock and Scotland Under 19 striker Steven Naismith yesterday signed an extension to his contract with the club until 2008.

General Manager David Mackinnon said: "The Club is delighted by the commitment Steven has shown, he is yet another success story to progress through our Youth Development Programme.  Steven began training with the club from 11 years of age and was signed from his local team Stewarton Annick a couple of years later. The stability of an extended contract will allow Steven to develop his early promise and become a main part of Jim Jefferies squad for the foreseeable future."

Allan 'Magic' Johnson's on Naismith... (Aug 2005)...'I've played at the highest level and I believe Stevie can go all the way and achieve great things in the game.

'He was outstanding and I just think he's got everything. He's got pace, he's a team player and can score goals. Hopefully he can keep it going.'

UPDATE (Mar 9th 2006), Jim Jefferies On Steven Naismith's Maturity & Future..."Steven is very level-headed and, even though he is a young boy, he has already invested in some property. Some young players who are living on their own might go off the rails, but not Steven. He still stays with his parents and sees it as an investment, which is a good way to start when you are that young. But there is something special about him. I've seen a lot of good young boys come through the ranks - especially when I was at Hearts - and Steven is up there with Gary Naysmith, Paul Ritchie, Gary Locke and Allan Johnston. He has a fantastic attitude towards the game. He wants to get to the top and he will get there. But Jefferies insists he will not stand in Naismith's way if a bigger club decides to make a move in the future. It was pretty easy to get him to sign again because he wanted to stay. He had two years to go on his current deal and we tried to make it a bit longer than four years, but, in the end, we negotiated a deal that suited both parties. Steven enjoys his football here and, if he plays well, he knows we might not have him that long anyway. If a huge club comes along, we really cannot stand in his way. But we're delighted he sees his learning process continuing at Kilmarnock and, hopefully, we will have him for a couple of more years at least."