Kingston set to be named Hearts captain

Kingston is very popular for Hearts fans Ghana midfielder Laryea Kingston is set to be named as the captain of Scottish club Hearts after just two seasons at the club.

Hearts coach Csaba Laszlo has narrowed down his choice for club captain to three players and has surprisingly included the much-liked Ghanaian, who is only in his third season at the club.

 
The Tynecastle side came from behind to defeat German outfit 2-1 Goslar in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday.

 
Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart led the team out for the match, but Laszlo said Laryea Kingston and Marius Zaliukas were also in the frame.

 
“It is important to have a captain that is close to the club and the fans,” Laszlo told the Hearts website.

 
It is believed that Stewart is the front-runner for the captain's armband and Laszlo said that him being Scottish would be an advantage as he seeks to replace Robbie Neilson, who left for Leicester in May.

 
“Mike's attitude in the last games was fantastic,” said Laszlo. “He took responsibility and he is a Scottish guy.”

 
However, Ghanaian midfielder Kingston and Lithuanian defender Zaliukas are also being given the chance to impress in Germany.

 
“Laryea Kingston also has experience but has been injured,” said Laszlo.

 
“Now he can come back in and give us our confidence and give Mike confidence in his position.

 
“Zaliukas has a lot of red cards, but I would give him more responsibility to be a leader.”

 
Kingston is being considered because he is a very popular player in the Hearts dressing room and among the club's fans for his performance and humility.

 
Few Ghanaian players have been named captains of their European clubs.