6 days ago
Kingsley looking forward to getting involved at Saturday's testimonial
Stephen Kingsley provided an exquisite cross for Lawrence Shankland to open the scoring against Dumbarton in the Premier Sports Cup in midweek.
That moment came after 17 minutes on his 31st birthday and now the twice capped defender, who has logged over 100 appearances for the Jambos, hopes to get the nod when Sunderland come to Tynecastle on Saturday (15.00) for goalkeeper Craig Gordon's Testimonial.
More than 15,000 fans have snapped up tickets for the Sunderland visit, a team which is newly-promoted to the Premiership, and, naturally, Kingsley would love to be involved.
He also hopes the game provides Hearts' experienced goalkeeper, Craig Gordon, with a special day for him and his family.
Kingsley has known the man nicknamed Craigie for several years at international and then club level since and he indicated that Gordon is making every effort to be involved after suffering a shoulder injury at the end of last season.
Looking back at Wednesday's win 4-0 win over Dumbarton, the defender said it was a 'good nights work' and he confirmed that an illness last week prevented him being involved in Hearts' previous match, a 4-0 win in the Premier Sports Cup at Stirling Albion.
Now feels good and said it was important to get minutes on the pitch in midweek.
Kingsley added that games against sides from lower divisions can be tough if you allow them to be, but Hearts started strongly and he added: 'We have options off the bench who can be a threat.'
Hearts, he said, need to build on their confidence from the cup competition and newcomers like Claudio Braga and Alexandros Kyziridis provide something different. He has also noted positive signs from Albanian player Sabah Kerjota while in training.
On Sunderland, Kingsley added: 'It will be good to play against an opposition of the size and stature of Sunderland. I have played against them before, personally, so I know the club and what they bring, passionate fans.
'It will be a great day for our supporters and Craig and his family. We are looking forward to it. Craig has deserved it (his Testimonial). He has been here for such a long time and has been a great servant.'
Scottish Championship 2020 – Heart of Midlothian v Queen of the South.
Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK.
Hearts play host to Queen of the South in the Scottish Championship at Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh.
Pic shows: Queen of the South reserve team manager, Wullie Gibson, tackles Hearts' Stephen Kingsley.
Credit: Ian Jacobs
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