Manager Jim Jefferies today revealed Laryea Kingston still has a big part to play for Hearts this season - if he recaptures his best club form.

The Ghana international fell out of favour under former boss Csaba Laszlo but Jim has assured the midfielder the slate is clean as far as he is concerned.

Laryea is due to rejoin full training on Monday after recovering from his latest injury setback, with his boss insisting there is a future at Tynecastle for the playmaker.

"We have had a long chat. I think it has to be fresh start for everybody," said Jim.

"Things have been said and done to him but we have to get him back on track as when he first came to Hearts everyone agreed he was a real capture.

"The aim is to get him back with his head right and get him back competing and giving full value. It has to be a two-way thing, though - it's not just me who wants that, he has to want it, too. If you are going to work together, you work together as a partnership."

JJ knows the supporters' patience has worn thin with the Ghanaian but he has told Laryea he can win them over again with his performances on the park.

"The fans took to him when he arrived and all I can do is work with him and instil a belief in him that if he wants to perform and play for the club as he did when he first came, the supporters will be delighted," he said.

"It was nice to hear him say: 'I'll play wherever you want me to gaffer, right, left wherever'. I always heard he wasn't happy when picked to play in certain positions but he said that wasn't the case so I'm going to hold him to that.

"He's a creative player with plenty of skill and we need that in the team. But I also need him working hard and if I can get him battling for the cause then I'm sure the supporters will take to him again."

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On Hearts.TV today, an EXCLUSIVE first interview with new Hearts signing Ryan Stevenson.