Under-pressure Hearts goalkeeper Tetteh Luggard insists he requested for his own substitution during their 2-1 win over Hasaacas in the Premier League on Wednesday.
The capital-based side managed to grab the maximum points in Accra but Luggard’s performance came under the spotlight again.
Coach David Duncan was forced to replace him at the start of the second half after it became clear fans at the stadium were growing impatience with his questionable performance.
He was faulted for Hasaacas’ equalizer and substituted by Philemon McCarthy, who kept a clean sheet to hand the Phobians the three points.
Some have criticized the trainer for the manner in which he replaced Luggard with fears it could dent his already deflated confidence.
But the 28-year-old has squashed such suggestions and insists his substitution was at his own request.
“I want to put on record that I pleaded with the coach to take me out,†Luggard told Happy FM
“It was not as if he took me out because I had a difficult game.
“I’m at a loss as to what is happening to me but I’m confident I will recover in no time.
“I have two bad games I must admit and will work hard to win the fans over.â€
Luggard was nearly attacked by irate Hearts fans during their third week fixture at Inter Allies, conceding two goals in a nervy 3-2 win for the former African champions.