Kingston wants 'best friend' at Hearts

HEARTS midfielder Laryea Kingston admits he is keen to see former team-mate Garry O'Connor follow him to Tynecastle, writes The scotsman.

The Ghanaian internationalist, speaking for the first time since sealing his January move from Russian outfit Terek Grozny on an initial six-month loan, believes the Scotland cap would greatly improve the Hearts squad.

Kingston, who scored in Ghana's 4-1 victory over Nigeria in midweek, struck up a rapport with the former Hibs striker during his time with Lokomotiv Moscow last season.

O'Connor has been linked with a controversial move to former arch rivals Hearts having failed to settle in Moscow, and Kingston harbours hopes of a reunion. He said: "I would be very happy to see Garry O'Connor at Hearts because he is a very good player. I first met him in Spain last year when we were at a training camp for Lokomotiv. He played in his first game and he scored goals and I was like, 'wow, who is this player?'

"We used to talk a lot, he is my best friend. I think he is a very good player and he could help the team a lot. I used to talk with him because he speaks English and I speak English as well so we got along with each other."