UGANDA coach Jackson Mayanja insists he would jump at the chance to join new Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo at Tynecastle.
Former national team captain Mayanja worked with Laszlo on the training pitch with the Ugandan national team and the pair were behind the country's surge up the world rankings.
Romanian-born Laszlo is yet to appoint an assistant, but Mayanja, who
se remit includes taking charge of his country's Under-20 and Under-23 teams, has spoken to him about the vacant position in Edinburgh.
He said: "I have talked to Laszlo about it, but I've not had any more information on it as yet. It would be a great move if I was to work with Hearts.
"It would be a good experience for me to go to Hearts and, as I say, we have talked about it.
"I would welcome that opportunity, but it's down to him and his bosses."
Mayanja is regarded as a footballing legend in his homeland having captained his country and been named Uganda's footballer of the year in 1997.
The 38-year-old, who plied his trade in Egypt and Tunisia during his playing career, added: "We worked together for a couple of years with Uganda and I really enjoyed it.
"I have had a wonderful time with Csaba, he is a wonderful coach and I believe he can transform Hearts.
"He really helped evolve our game in Uganda, for many years the team was doing nothing, but, under Laszlo, the team has shot to fame.
"It was sad for me when he left to go to Hearts, but they are a big team and I think it was the right decision to go there."
Meanwhile, former Hearts coach John McGlynn last night threw his backing behind Laszlo – and senses an upturn in fortunes at Tynecastle already. The Raith Rovers manager holds a deep affinity with the Gorgie outfit following a ten-year association with the club before his departure to take the Stark's Park job in November 2006.
McGlynn, who encountered Laszlo when Hearts played Ferencvaros in the Uefa Cup in 2004, said: "There is a renewed enthusiasm at Hearts with the new manager in now.
"From the early indications I've heard, he knows what he is talking about, is getting his message across and putting his authority on the place immediately. That is what you have to do and that will stand the club in good stead."
The full article contains 412 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
