From Hearts News at Il Ciocco, in Tuscany

David Obua has said he'd like to continue as a striker for Hearts next season.

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The Uganada international was deployed in a forward role after the arrival of manager Jim Jefferies last season.

And that appeared to work with the former Kaiser Chiefs player putting in some good performances - and scoring the winner at Easter Road against Hibs.

"I would like to stick to the position that I've been playing up front where I can score goals," he told journalists here at Il Ciocco.

"That's what I need and everything will be ok.

"There are so many other strikers in the team like Gary Glen and these guys but it is up to the manager who is going to play.

"With Kyle we are happy to have the big guy around and he adds something to the team."

And David knows that this pre-season, as hard as this has been under Jim Jefferies, is essential.

"It is always tough and you expect that they will run you ragged but it is all good," he reflected.

"It is pre-season and you have to do it. It's part of the game and as long as we are ready for St Johnstone that's the main thing."

David's also sure that the team spirit will be very strong next season.

"There will be a lot of hard work, which is what Jim expects, and there's togetherness," he continued. "We will battle and fight together.

"For a club like Hearts it is a big club and we have to be in the top six but of course we want to get into the third position but you have to put in a lot of hard work which we are putting in right now."

On Hearts.TV today watch a full week's worth of interviews and features plus post-match tonight we'll have reaction from Jim Jefferies and after midnight match highlights from the game against the Barga XI!

Don't forget we're blogging live from Italy - check out our LIVE Blog: Hearts in Italia every day!

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