Stewart's only problem is himself - Laszlo

Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo has urged Michael Stewart to stop "fighting with himself" after the midfielder made a successful return to the starting line-up in the 2-0 victory at Kilmarnock.
Stewart played a part in both second-half goals as Hearts claimed their first Clydesdale Bank Premier League win since November.

The 27-year-old, who had only started three games in two months, was drafted in after Laszlo's plans were hit by several suspensions and injuries.

Laszlo's influence helped rejuvenate Stewart at the start of the season, to such an extent that he renewed his Scotland career during the friendly draw with Northern Ireland.

But the Hearts manager has recently had long conversations with Stewart in a bid to help him overcome his inner demons.

"Michael Stewart was maybe the big winner from this game," Laszlo said.
"He had a long time out and he was very unsatisfied. I was very unsatisfied with his performances but he used his chance.

"This week we had a lot of conversations and I told him I came here and saw a Mike Stewart who was a leader who came to be a national team player, but he lost everything.

"Michael Stewart, a lot of the time, he fights with himself. Michael Stewart has only one big enemy and this is Michael Stewart. He needs a guide.

"If you have a manager who helps you get back to the national team you must keep this position."

Stewart set up Bruno Aguiar to drive home the 61st-minute opener and the former Manchester United player later sent in a free-kick which led to Christos Karipidis heading home the second.

"It was not a great performance but his attitude was the old one," added Laszlo.

"I think Michael Stewart can make the difference in the team.
"He had eight years at Manchester United, he got a lot of things from football which other people never experience.

"Nobody has a 100% place in the team, you must work in training.
"I cannot ask young people like Jason Thomson or Eggert Jonsson to be a leader but Mike Stewart can be a leader. We waited for this and now I am proud about Mike Stewart.

"The transfer window is also open for Mike Stewart. Maybe he can move, maybe he can stay, but the most important thing is to be satisfied with yourself."

Meanwhile, Laszlo revealed he was "99%" certain that Janos Balogh will complete a permanent move from Debrecen in the transfer window.

The goalkeeper missed the Rugby Park clash through injury and replacement Jamie McDonald was grateful David Fernandez and Danny Invincibile were off target with two excellent first-half chances.

Killie have now lost seven of their last eight home games ahead of Thursday's Homecoming Scottish Cup replay against local rivals Ayr at Rugby Park.

"Ayr will look at that result and think they have a chance," goalkeeper Alan Combe said.
"But that's not going to happen. The form book goes out the window in the cup and that's just as well with our home record."

Taken from the Scotsman