Laryea Kingston is desperate to shine at next year's World Cup - but knows he has to be a Euro star for Hearts to fulfil his dream. The Tynecastle playmaker wants to make up for lost time this season after last term was blighted by injury. Ghana is currently top of their World Cup qualifying group and look certain to book their place for South Africa.
Kingston, who has 34 caps, hopes to be in their squad for the finals alongside brother Richard who plays in goal for Wigan. But the midfielder knows he must sparkle for the Jambos first and is determined to dazzle when Csaba Laszlo's men face Dinamo Zagreb in the first leg of their Europa League play-off clash on Thursday. Kingston said: "This is an important year for me. My contract is running out so I need to show everyone I'm still a good player.
"I have a good reputation but I need to polish it a bit. I need to do well and play more because the World Cup is coming up. "It's every player's dream to be there but I need to be fit and playing well to make it. "Playing in Europe can help me achieve this. The first leg in Zagreb is important - if we can get a draw it would be a good result. "Every time I wear the Ghana colours it makes me happy. To go to the World Cup with Richard would be beautiful."
Kingston has spent more time at Hearts than any other club in a career that has taken him to Libya, Israel and Russia. The 28-year-old claims that is a clear indication of how much he wants to stay in Gorgie beyond this season. And on the on the eve of a new campaign Kingston admits he would sign a new deal tomorrow if it was on the table. He said: "I've enjoyed my time at Hearts and it is the only club I've stayed at for a long time.
"I've only been at other teams for a year or 18 months. But I've been at Hearts almost three years now and feel at home - my family is settled here. "I didn't enjoy last season because I didn't play enough and was injured a lot. "The fans have not seen me at my best for a while but if I stay injury-free I will enjoy my football again. Hopefully the contract will then follow. "I'm happy here so why not stay for longer? As soon as Hearts call me and say there's a new contract, I'm in.
"I'd like the decision to be made soon - that would take a bit of pressure off. I'd sign tomorrow because I love Hearts." The former Lokomotiv Moscow man can't wait to sample European action again after playing in the UEFA Cup just once for the Russian side three years ago. Hearts will be back at Tynecastle for the second leg against Dinamo after using Murrayfield for previous Euro ties.
And Kingston is sure Croatian stars like Igor Biscan and Robert Kovac won't fancy the Jambos' tight ground and electric atmosphere. He said: "It's great we will be playing at Tynecastle. "The fans are so close to the pitch and are always behind us. It's fantastic to hear them supporting you for the full 90 minutes. "I've played for clubs like Lokomotiv where the pitch has a running track around it. But big sides will be intimidated coming to Tynecastle."
Kingston insists Laszlo is one of the best coaches he has worked with and claims the Jambos now want to split the Old Firm after last term's third-placed finish. He said: "Csaba is the most disciplined manager I've met. He's excellent tactically and has proved that with his results. "I have so much respect for him and he's one of the best managers I've played under. "We were third in the SPL last season but want to do even better this time - that's our aim." Have your say on the latest news and sport in
Source: Sunday Mail
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