Hearts coach eats Kingston humble pie

Kingston has been key for Hearts

Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo has admitted for the first time that his Scottish side has been weakened by the absence of Laryea Kingston.

 
Laszlo, the former Uganda manager, has had quarrels with the Ghana midfielder and was previously ostracised from the squad.

But since leading an unnecessary battle with Kingston, the club has tumbled down the table and his position is now under threat.

The coach played down the importance of the enforcer and while he failed to play him, Kingston excelled for the Black Stars

Laszlo now fears his side are in for a tough season after they limped to a 1-0 Premier League defeat at Motherwell.

Laszlo bemoaned the lack of experience in his squad after Ross Forbes volleyed the only goal at Fir Park admitting that Kingston's absence is affecting the team

"When we have people like Laryea Kingston out of the team, the young players don't have orientation," Laszlo said.

"They need someone to guide them.
"This is what I'm talking about all the time. But I'm tired of always talking, I will go and do my job the best I can. This is the only thing I can do."

"This season will be very tough for Hearts. I know what I'm talking about. 

"If you have so many inexperienced players you will have to play painful games."

He added: "If you win two or three games in this league then you can move up, but before we talk about this we must win.

"You can get into Europe if you win the cup or finish fifth but we must be realistic and between the wish and reality is a big gap.

"This is reality. Maybe in two years, maybe next season, these players will have the experience to win games but we can't wait."