Glen in dark over ex-Hearts chief's cold shoulder

GARY GLEN has explained for the first time how he endured a strained relationship with former Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo and said he remains baffled by the Hungarian's suggestion that he had an attitude problem.

Laszlo publicly criticised Glen's approach to training and matches during his tenure at Tynecastle but the 20-year-old said he never received an explanation for the comments.

Glen hopes to resume training on Thursday after a minor setback with the hamstring injury which has prevented him appearing at first-team level this season. He said he feels revitalised and ready to challenge for a place in the Hearts attack having had his pre-season preparations hindered by the injury.

However, he remains confused over Laszlo's criticism of him and said he is keen to return to first-team level to prove himself.

"When Csaba was here we never saw eye-to-eye," explained Glen. "He's come out in the papers and said I had a bad attitude but he never once came up to me and said he thought my attitude was bad. As far as I'm aware he's never said anything, it's just what I read in the paper.

"You're looking for praise when due but if I'm not doing well I'll criticise myself more than anyone else will. I don't like to go on about the thing with Csaba but he never spoke to me to tell me where I was going wrong with my attitude."

Glen hopes his injury problems are now over after a frustrating spell which has left him feeling marginalised at Riccarton whilst doing rehabilitation work.

"In the rehab room, when you're doing strengthening work, it gets lonely at times and you feel like you're on your own," he said. "If any of the coaching staff come in and ask how you're doing, it's really pleasing.

"The manager, Billy and Lockie are all very supportive. The first time with my hamstring Billy told me to sit out the exercise so as not to do any more damage. They always come into the treatment room in the morning and ask us how we're doing. It's pleasing to know they still recognise you're working hard to get back.

"This season hasn't really got going for me and it's been frustrating but I'm keen to get back involved and challenge for a place up front."