Kingston told to get fit or miss World Cup chance

HEARTS midfielder Larry Kingston must remain fit and play regularly at club level this season or risk jeopardising his international future, according to the Ghanaian national coach Milovan Rajevac.

The Serbian is preparing to assess Kingston's condition during tomorrow's World Cup qualifier against Sudan in Accra. The 28-year-old has made just two competitive appearances since February this year, when he injured his hamstring against St Mirren

at Tynecastle.

Rajevac stressed today that Kingston remains a vital component of his squad but, should his injury problems persist, he would not hesitate to demote him.

"The only way to be in the squad is to play competitive matches for your club. This is what I want for all the players," said Rajevac.

"It is very difficult to predict the future and who might have injuries. We hope Kingston is going to be okay, but we have a lot of other players who are ready to play in his position.

"I will try everything in my power to do what is best for us, and also for the player and his club. Everything that is in the interests of the player is also in the interests of our camp. We will try to do everything to help Kingston be ready and keep a good level of fitness.

"He is a very important part of our team and a big player for us. I am monitoring all the players and I'm checking their current form. Each time I choose the best players to come to the training camp."

Rajevac intends to visit Tynecastle this season to assess Kingston's fitness personally. "It is definitely in my plans to come to Edinburgh," he continued. "It depends on the schedule of the games but I have to come and watch Kingston this season. We have a lot of players in Britain so I will definitely travel to watch their matches.

"John Mensah is now at Sunderland, there is Michael Essien at Chelsea and others so I will definitely fly over. It is important to have our experienced players in the squad.

"The ones who have played in the World Cup, plus some extra younger players to provide competition.

"That is a good combination."