Ghana's Black Stars trainer, Claude Le Roy has granted gifted midfielder, Laryea Kingston the benefit of the doubt over media claims the player wants a delayed arrival in camp for the Ghana 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.

Kingston last week reportedly voiced out his intensions to delay joining the preparations of the Stars to help his club, Hearts in their Premier League challenge.

Le Roy told GNA Sports, "I want to believe Laryea did not say as reported. I prefer to give him the benefit of the doubt."

Even though the player was quoted to have said, "I'm still talking to my national manager to see if he will allow me to stay a bit longer so I can play more Hearts games", Le Roy however maintained that, "the player has not spoken to me yet and until that is done, I will deem the report as a speculation."

The Stars are expected to camp for fourteen days before the biennial event commences at the national stadium in Accra on January 20, a period the coach says is too short for comfort.

"The players themselves know two weeks is not enough time for intensive preparations and I do not think that they need a reminder."

The French trainer told GNA Sports that he would not tolerate suggestions like Kingston's.

The outspoken player suggested that "playing competitively for Hearts will be much better than being at a training camp with my country", hence his proposal to join his colleagues only four days to the opening game.

"I expect my players in camp within the usual FIFA 14-days regulations and that is non-negotiable," added Le Roy

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has tasked Le Roy to win the Nation's Cup, a decision his employers insist is invariable.


Source: GNA