Csaba Laszlo throws hat into ring for Scotland manager's job

HEARTS boss Csaba Laszlo has reportedly admitted he'd be "honoured" to become the new Scotland manager following the sacking of George Burley earlier this week.

And, in an admission that is sure to infuriate his Tynecastle paymasters, he has also spoken to a Hungarian newspaper about the possibility of "anyone" coming in for him and triggering a release clause.

"I was in Budapest this week when I got a call to tell me I had been linked to the job of Scotland manager," said Laszlo.

"This is a huge honour for me and to get such a position would be wonderful. Just because it is the same country as Hearts, I do not think it would be a problem.

"The owner of my club sold eleven players in the summer. It's been tough, but I do not think he would create difficulties if this happened. Even though I have a year and a half of my contract to go, fortunately, I have a buy-out clause. So, if anyone seriously wanted me, I would be free to go."

Former Hearts chairman George Foulkes today said Laszlo should stop touting himself for other jobs and concentrate on getting Hearts up the SPL table.

He said: "Csaba is someone I have praised highly in the past but it's insulting that he keeps linking himself to every job going.

"I think the Hearts fans are getting a bit fed up. He needs to knuckle down and get the best out of the players at his disposal."

Meanwhile, Laszlo insisted that he won't try to rush David Templeton back from injury in a bid to boost his options up front.

The Hearts manager has had to work for most of the season with Christian Nade and David Witteveen in attack because of injuries to Calum Elliot and Templeton, but stressed that they could do more harm than good if they were to push the young attacker too quickly.

Templeton was a revelation in the reserves last season but Laszlo added: "We hope that, slowly, slowly, David Templeton can begin training again soon too.

"David Templeton last season played some games but then for almost half a year he was out.

"At the start of this season, he had an injury and he has been out again.

"At the moment, he cannot play and we should be concentrating on the players like Christian Nade, Gary Glen while, hopefully, Calum Elliot will be back over the next few weeks because he gives us more threat up front."