NEILSON PLANNING SUMMER REBUILD AT HEARTS

ROBBIE NEILSON admits Hearts face a huge summer in the transfer market as he attempts to assemble a squad that can compete in the Premiership. Supporters fear the current group of players are not good enough, with Hearts — who could claim the Championship title this weekend if they beat Alloa tonight — limping towards the chequered flag. A run of uninspiring performances and the shambolic Scottish Cup defeat to Brora Rangers have led to growing criticism and intense scrutiny of the players as well as Neilson’s stewardship. The manager has so far signed 13 players since returning to the dugout last summer but concedes that yet another squad overhaul will be needed. He said: ‘It’s about turning the squad over to make sure we get a team which is competitive next year, but it’s (also) about making sure every time we come out a transfer window we are closer to where we want to be, which is at the top end of the Premiership. ‘This window for me is the one we really need to get things right, make sure we get the right players in. ‘Then hopefully once we do that and get to the next January window, we will see a far less turnaround of players that’s previously happened. ‘I’ve not been here the last three years but there seems to be a number of players coming in and out every window.’ Neilson, whose side are 11 points clear of second-placed Raith Rovers, insists he has the support of owner Ann Budge and sporting director Joe Savage, even if they have not backed him publicly. Neilson added: ‘The board, Ann, Joe and everyone at the club have been really supportive. They understand in football, and especially at a big club like Hearts, when you lose a couple of games there’s always going to be negativity. ‘A lot of the time, people want instant success. We’re trying to move this club forward, so there’s going to be a few steps forward and a step back.’ Alloa captain Andy Graham admits nothing less than a victory will be good enough for the Wasps — seven points adrift at the bottom with four games left — at Tynecastle tonight. ‘It’s one of those games where it’s a must-win,’ said the veteran.

Kick-off: 7.45pm, Tynecastle. TV: LIVE on BBC Scotland. Referee: Steven McLean.