Hearts coach insists Kingston remains part of his team

By Patrick Akoto

Hearts trainer CK Akunnor insists Laryea Kingston remains part of his plans for the upcoming season.

Laryea, 30, was hit with an indefinite suspension after a bust-up with the head coach for breaking camp rules.

Though no timeline has been given for the return of the Black Stars midfielder into the fold of the 2000 African champions, coach Akunnor insists he will play a big part in his team for the upcoming season.

“Something happened and I was not happy about it and so I informed management,” Akunnor told said

“I just want him to rest me as a coach and I respect him as a player.

“There is the coach-player relationship and that thin line must be made clear to him and all the players.

“When he turns over a new leaf, I will have no problems at all in welcoming him back into the team.

“He is a senior player who is expected to show exemplary leadership for the up and coming ones to follow.

“When I got this job, I called him personally and we spoke. It shows you the kind of respect that I gave him as a senior player. But respect is reciprocal.

“We don’t want him to be a bad influence on the team. But like I said if he reforms, he will always be welcomed into the team.”

The controversial midfielder has built up a bad boy image for himself over the past years.