HEARTS boss Csaba Laszlo today insisted that every one of his players will start with a clean slate this season – and that even his regular picks will have to battle for a place in the starting line-up.
The Hungarian and his players began pre-season training today and have just a few days to get back up to speed before heading for a six-day tour of Germany.
Laszlo has lost the likes of skipper Robbie Neilson, Bruno Aguiar, Christos Karipidis, Dei
vidas Cesnauskis and Saulius Mikoliunas since the end of last season and will have to go back to the drawing board to find his best XI for the 2009/10 campaign.
That leaves him with few experienced players at his disposal but Laszlo stressed that reputations count for nothing and that only quality displays on the park will earn players a place in his side.
He will make many of his judgements on who will make up the spine of his side over the next ten days or so, having had a fresh look at his players in training at Riccarton and on their four-match tour of Germany.
And he urged his players to treat their pre-season matches as they would a competitive game, because their futures could depend on it.
He said: "Next season will be a new team and new chances for everyone.
"At this moment, everyone gets their chance and if they use it, they keep their place in the team.
"That is how football works, you give someone the opportunity and it is up to them to take it then we go from there."
Laszlo was looking forward to getting back out on the training field to put his squad through their paces and added: "The players have a lot of tests to do but they will also get outside and train as well. That is what they enjoy and it is important that we start working hard together now.
"We have an important season coming up and we must make sure we are ready."
Meanwhile, the Tynecastle club have taken German midfielder Timor Hiber on trial.
The 23-year-old, who plays for Bundesliga 2 side Alemennia Aachen, will spend the next couple of days with Hearts before returning to his club when the Jambos travel to face his side in Germany as part of their pre- season tour.
Hearts will squeeze four games in during their stay and Laszlo hopes that the intense workout will quickly get his players back up to speed.
"We leave for Germany on Monday and then play four games, this will give the players the chance to build up their stamina and get a feel for football again."
