Kenneth Vargas is poised for a bustling summer representing his country, Costa Rica. He becomes the fourth Hearts player called up for international duty this month, securing a spot in the Costa Rica squad. Coach Gustavo Alfaro has named him among the 32-man pool for a training camp and three friendly matches.
Vargas had an impressive debut season at Tynecastle Park following his loan move from CS Herediano. Notching nine goals and providing four assists in 42 appearances for Hearts, he made a significant impact. Consequently, the club decided to convert his loan into a permanent transfer in March.
The forward has also made strides at the international level, amassing a total of four caps. He is set for a demanding few weeks as Costa Rica gears up for next month’s Copa America, with three friendly matches on the agenda. Their schedule includes hosting Uruguay in San Jose on May 31st, followed by a match against Saint Kitts and Nevis six days later. Finally, Costa Rica will travel to Grenada on June 9th for their last friendly before the Copa America.
Vargas and his fellow Costa Rican teammates kick off their Copa America group stage campaign on June 24th against Brazil in California. They find themselves in a challenging group alongside other seasoned South American nations such as Colombia and Paraguay.
Vargas joins the Scotland trio of Craig Gordon, Zander Clark, and Lawrence Shankland in earning a call-up for international duty with their respective countries. Gordon, Clark, and Shankland are part of Steve Clarke’s squad gearing up for the European Championship in Germany. All four players will aim to secure spots in their final squads and participate in major tournaments over the upcoming weeks.