Laryea Kingston stepped up his bid to make Hearts' weekend league clash against St Johnstone by putting in extra training sessions over the weekend.

The Ghana midfielder returned to the training ground on Friday for the first time since injuring a hamstring following his appearance against Aberdeen a month ago.

Keen to do all he can to be involved against the Saints, the 29-year-old was back at Riccarton over the weekend going through his paces while the rest of the first team were enjoying some extended time off due to the international break.

It has been a hugely frustrating season for the playmaker, who is hoping his injury nightmare is now finally behind him.

"The guys were given the weekend off because of the international matches," said Laryea.

"But I was in for training as I just came back on Friday after being out for a few weeks. I'll see how things go this week but obviously the target is the St Johnstone game on Saturday. If everything is okay then I'd love to be involved at some stage.

"Yes it has been frustrating but what can I do about injuries? Hopefully this is all behind me now and I can get back to helping Hearts climb up the table."

On Hearts.TV today, all the goals from the U19s' emphatic 18-0 victory over St Cuthbert's in the SFA Youth Cup at Tynecastle, plus a Hall of Fame special with a host of big-name interviews.