Steven Naismith gesture: Generous Everton striker donates tickets to unemployed people across Liverpool

The Scottish striker is no stranger to charity work

Steven Naismith in action for Everton in the friendly against Porto on Sunday (GETTY IMAGES)

Everton striker Steven Naismith has pledged to buy home tickets for unemployed people across Liverpool this season.

The 27-year-old, who joined the Toffees from Rangers in 2012, says that he has asked tickets to be left at job centres in the city, and handed out to selected people seeking employment.

The forward, who scored nine goals for the Toffees last season, said: "I come from Ayrshire in the West of Scotland and spent a lot of my life in Glasgow - a city that, at times, has suffered from high unemployment.

"Liverpool has a similar history and I am aware that, through no fault of their own, there are many unemployed in Liverpool trying hard to find a job and may not be able to afford a ticket.

"I thought this might be a small gesture to help those in that situation to enjoy a day out at one of our league matches. Hopefully it can bring some joy to many people.

"I have asked the Jobcentreplus if they could give the tickets to different job centres across the city each week and select people who are unemployed through no fault of their own, are trying hard to find employment and who would enjoy watching a Premier League football match."

The Scotland international had also previously launched a project in Glasgow to help injured service personnel back to mainstream employment and is an ambassador for Dyslexia Scotland.

Naismith said: "Every day I feel very fortunate for the opportunities and lifestyle my job as a footballer has afforded my family and me and also to be in the position where I can help the community in some small way."