CSABA LASZLO today praised Hearts' Polish defender Dawid Kucharski for his impeccable attitude and professionalism as he waited patiently for a first-team opportunity.
Saturday's victory over Kilmarnock was the centre-back's first start since August and only his third appearance of the season. Despite conceding a second-half penalty, he was commended by his manager for his attitude.
Jose Goncalves is free of sus
pension for Sunday's visit to Hamilton, giving the Hearts coaching staff a decision to make in central defence. Goncalves may be required to deputise at left-back for the injured Lee Wallace but Kucharski's approach has already struck a chord with Laszlo, who is now of a mind to give the player more game time.
"Kucharski has not played very much before but now he is trying to use his chance," said the Hungarian. "His attitude is fantastic. He never asked me things like 'why don't I play?' He told me it is no problem. He said, 'I will wait for my chance and when I get my chance I must use it'. I think this is an important attitude for a professional football player and I am very satisfied with this player.
"If he plays more games he can be better. At the start of the season I was not sure if Goncalves should play in central defence but we did not think Zaliukas would get the injury.
"We had two central defence players, Zaliukas and Bouzid, and the third one in our plan was Kucharski.
"Then Zaliukas was injured and Jose played inside and did very well. I did not see any reason to bring Kucharski back.
"Now things change, we won in Kucharski's first game back in the team and he is a part of that.
"Definitely he needs more games to improve, then he can be a player with influence in this position. This is his advantage." Reflecting on Kucharski's display at Rugby Park, Laszlo said he was satisfied overall.
"The first 45 minutes was not his best because he was a little bit nervous," he continued. "After that he stabilised his game. I think he made a big mistake for the penalty because he had the possibility to clear the ball but he lost the ball and he panicked. I think overall he played a comfortable game.
"I saw him play before in the Poland Under-21 national team. He was one of the best players in his position and I think he can be a useful player for us."
