HEARTS HAVE LONG-TERM AIM FOR GMS
HEARTS manager Robbie Nei lson insists Gary Mackay-Steven’s arrival is part of the long-term plan to become a leading Premiership team.
The winger joined on a two-and-a-half-year deal from New York City last week and could make his debut in the Championship trip to Alloa on Saturday.
Neilson is also keen to recruit another striker this month to bolster his side’s title push. Hearts are on course for an immediate return to the top-flight after opening up a fivepoint gap at the summit.
And Neilson admits he is targeting players who can help the side become a force to be reckoned with in the Scottish game.
He said: “You should come out of every transfer window in a better position than before it opened. That’s what we are trying to do in this window. Gary Mackay-Steven coming in has given us that lift.
“If we can get another one in, it will help again. We are continually trying to progress the team and get to where we want to get to, which is the top end of the Premiership.
“We have good players in the team already but we are still looking to add more. It’s really important we continue to develop the team. We want to win this league but also build a platform for seasons ahead.”
Neilson, meanwhile, is encouraged that he will have the likes of Michael Smith, Josh Ginnelly and Liam Boyce in contention for the trip to the Indodrill Stadium.
Smith and Ginnelly both faced lay- offs due to contracting Covid- 19, while Boyce missed the defeat to Dundee on January 2 as a result of a leg muscle issue.
Neilson, whose side had last weekend off due to Camelon and Brora Rangers’ Scottish Cup first-round tie still being outstanding, added: “This has made all the difference to them and we’re hopeful of getting them back for this weekend.
“Everything is fine and we are pleased with how they have progressed at the moment.
“Having no game last weekend gave us time to get people rested and recovered.”