Janos Balogh aims to be Hearts' No.1 again

HEARTS goalkeeper Janos Balogh intends to reclaim the No.1 position at Tynecastle next season and has instructed his agent not to consider any approach from other clubs.

The 27-year-old, pictured, is under contract and is determined to regain his place after a wrist complaint precluded him from the final weeks of last season. Injury sidelined him just before Christmas last year and he found himself falling down the pecking order, managing only four first-team appearances since the New Year.

Jamie MacDonald will offer stiff competition for the goalkeeping slot, as will Marian Kello provided he signs a new deal.

Balogh's agent, Alexander Szatmari, said he would not be discussing the player's future with any interested parties as he is fully committed to Hearts.

"I have not spoken with anyone because Janos was injured recently and he wants to be the number one goalkeeper for Hearts again," said Szatmari. "This is his main focus and I hope he becomes fit again soon to challenge for his place."

Jim Jefferies, the Hearts manager, has returned from Lithuania after visiting majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov to discuss summer plans. The Evening News revealed last Friday that Jefferies was preparing to fly to eastern Europe, where he met Romanov for two days of talks.

Meanwhile, Hearts will defend themselves against legal action by former manager Csaba Laszlo, who has launched a claim for unfair dismissal against the club.

In a statement, a Hearts spokesperson said: "We are not surprised to see Mr Laszlo seeking to profit from the club given his attitude towards the club before and after he left in January but we will rigorously defend our position if he proceeds in this way."