Garang Kuol has struggled for minutes since leaving Newcastle United for Hearts on loan, but his efforts in training have been massively impressive.
Newcastle decided to let Kuol move up north at the start of the year, joining the Australian contingent at Hearts. It was a sensible move for the teenager, who continues to adapt to life away from home.
However, signing for Hearts on loan has not proven to be a major success. He has only started one game in Edinburgh, and is yet to feature under interim boss Steven Naismith.
But despite his limited minutes on the pitch, it sounds like Kuol, who is set for another loan move next season, has been making a real impression in training.
Steven Naismith delighted with Garang Kuol’s efforts in training
According to the Athletic, Kuol has been praised for how he has applied himself in training. The teenager has certainly impressed Naismith, who told the Athletic just how hard he is working behind the scenes.
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“He’s probably the last off the training pitch, which is great to see,” he said.
“At times he probably is doing too much close to games, just in case he’s needed. But it’s because he’s got a hunger to learn.”
Kuol has the right attitude to succeed under Eddie Howe at Newcastle
While he has been limited to just eight appearances for Hearts and sat on the bench for their previous five league games, it sounds like Kuol is doing all the right things behind the scenes.
The Athletic add that he does one-on-one training as well as his work with Hearts, and also has his own nutritionist.
It is these minor details that are going to give Kuol an edge in the future, and why Eddie Howe will be excited to work with him.
While Naismith has suggested that he might actually be trying too hard, it is clear that he has a real desire to improve and better himself. That will ensure he fits right in at Newcastle, as that is the exact type of environment that Howe has created since replacing Steve Bruce.
It sounds like Kuol is applying himself really well. He is putting in the hard yards now, and it will serve him well in the future.