Steven Naismith still has his sights on a World Cup trip!

Steven Naismith is the only Scotsman still vying to win a place at the World Cup Finals in Brazil.

That’s the carrot Everton manager Roberto Martinez is dangling in front of his players for being the best trainer at the Goodison club this season.

The Scotland striker’s dream of starring in the competition ended long ago when Craig Levein failed to qualify for the tournament before being replaced by Gordon Strachan.

Naismith, however, might still get an opportunity to see the action at close quarters in a unique initiative which is also helping Everton enjoy a stunning season in the English Premier League.

“When the manager came in, he wanted to make every single day in training competitive,” says the former Rangers hitman.

“So you get a point every day for being in the winning team in either bounce games or shooting.

“It means you’re playing for something in every training session.

“You also get a point during the international breaks if your country wins their game.

“There’s a prize at the end for the winner it could be a nice piece of jewellery, a watch or tickets to go to the World Cup. What a prize that would be.

“If I don’t win, then I might just need to ask Leighton Baines or Phil Jagielka for tickets as they’ll be there with England!”

Naismith actually believes the incentive in an excellent idea to bring out the best in players during every training session.

It provides an insight into the way Martinez likes to motivate his players.

Naismith continues: “Some players don’t fancy training. That’s been the case at every club I’ve been at.

“You get guys that just seem to turn up on a Saturday and are on their game, but this brings an edge back to it.

“At Christmas the competition stopped. John Stones won the first half of the season and we’ve now started again. So it’s all to play for.

“Every day you walk in, a chart of where all the players are is up on the TV screen. I’m mid-table at the moment.

“It’s a great idea and definitely something I’d think about using myself if I remain in the game.”

Naismith hopes to actually be playing at the next major competition by helping Scotland qualify for Euro 2016, and is pleased to have forced his way back into the international fold.

“Gordon Strachan had made it clear to me that if I wasn’t playing regularly for Everton, then it would be hard for him to pick me for Scotland,” reveals Naismith.

“That’s only right and proper. If someone is doing well for their club every week, then they deserve to be handed the shirt ahead of guys who aren’t getting a game.

“But fortunately I managed to take my chance when it came along.

“I’m at that stage where I realise how short a career you have, and I don’t want to waste any chances to play for my country.”