Kyle’s Hearts contract terminated, but he plans to return

Kevin Kyle has agreed to terminate his Hearts contract as he bids to save his career - but hopes to land fresh terms this summer by impressing in pre-season training.

The injured striker, whose deal was due to expire in May, has not kicked a ball since the January 2011 Scottish Cup loss to St Johnstone having been plagued by a persist hip problem.

Kyle had already been ruled out for the remainder of this campaign after undergoing surgery in Coventry last month but the forward has an invitation from manager Paulo Sergio to train with the club when he regains his fitness.

The 30-year-old, who turned down offers from Greece and Turkey to be reunited with then Hearts manager Jim Jefferies in June 2010 on a two-year deal, said: “All going well, when I get back fit, I’ll have the opportunity to do a pre-season here in the summer and perhaps earn the chance to play again for the club, maybe on a pay-as-you play deal.

“That’s a wee bit in the future but hopefully the fans haven't seen the last of me as a Hearts player.

“Come the beginning of July, hopefully I’ll be ready to start pre-season and try and earn myself a deal, whatever basis that is, just to play for the club again.

“I would like to thank the club as a whole for looking after me and trying to get me back fit.

“I’d also like to thank the fans for taking to me and for making myself and my family feel so welcome during my time here. Their support was really appreciated.”

Kyle became a firm fans’ favourite in the six months he enjoyed on the pitch in Gorgie as he notched 10 goals in 22 appearances, his last coming in the dramatic 1-0 derby win against Hibs on New Year’s day.

He is currently working on a 12-week rehabilitation programme but is determined to ease himself back into the game to avoid any potential set-backs.

Kyle added: “I’m very hopeful I can play again, I went down to see the surgeon and he explained the whole situation to me. After doing the surgery, as I came round he came in and spoke to me and said he was far more optimistic than he ever was.

“He said everything was looking very good and he said, ‘as long as you’re taking your time in your rehabilitation programme, then I’m very optimistic that you’ll get back playing’.

“So that was good news, I’ll just take my time with the rehab, not trying to push it.”