Laszlo: Time to be a team player, Larry

HEARTS boss Csaba Laszlo today warned Larry Kingston to start playing for the team instead of himself – but insisted that there's no rift with the Ghana star.

The midfielder chose to fly out to join up with the Ghana squad this week, despite advice to the contrary from Laszlo and despite the fact that he's unable to play because of a troublesome thigh injury.

While the 28-year-old would not have been fit to face Falkirk today, Laszlo fears that his lengthy trip will set him back a couple of days at least in his bid for a full recovery.

Kingston will not be back in Gorgie until Monday and Laszlo will have to wait to find out what kind of physical state he is in and, while he understands the pressure on African players to join up with their national sides if they are called up, he wants the Hearts star to become more of a team player in Gorgie.

He said: "For me he is a perfect player if he brings his quality to the team. The player must understand that I would like to see this quality out on the field but he must bring it to the team.

"I like individual players but their individuality can win games and decide games but not always.

"And, if you don't have people playing like a team, then what can that do for you? An individual can win the ball, go in circles and hold the ball up and take the applause. But I would like to see the team being applauded and not just one person.

"We win as a team and lose as a team."

Laszlo spoke with Kingston prior to his departure and on the telephone to stress that he wanted him to stay in Edinburgh.

He added: "I have spoken to Larry and he knows my opinion. I understand everything and I understand Larry Kingston. I told him that it was unprofessional against his body, that is my opinion.

"But, if Larry Kingston comes back and he trains and he is fit and 100 per cent injury free, then he can be a very important player for us.

"I know that the national team have the right to send you a letter or a fax to call for a player to join them and have a check with the doctors and afterwards he can go back to his club.

"I know the African mentality and I can understand why he wants to be involved, I am more worried about his injury.

"I would like to have him back in my side quickly but, if you stay away for two or three days and you are in the aeroplane for a long time sitting down, then you can lose two days."

Laszlo maintained that the player is more than happy to be playing his football at Tynecastle, despite being encouraged not to feature for his country.

However when asked if he was certain Kingston wanted to remain in Scotland, Laszlo would only add: "You must ask Kingston. If he comes back then the dressing room is open and we would go about our daily business. There is no problem is this direction, definitely not. He has a contract.