Robbie Neilson admits he is keen to add a further one or two players to his attacking ranks - but revealed it is highly unlikely he will have someone in for the game with FC Zurich.
Hearts travel to Switzerland later this week for the first-leg of their Europa League play-off showdown with the winner advancing to the group stages. The Swiss side overcame Linfield in the previous round to earn a crack at the Jambos with both clubs knowing they are guaranteed tournament proper football ahead of the two-legged affair with the parachute of the Europa Conference League.
The Gorgie club will be determined to reach Europe's second tier competition and land the financial windfall that comes with that. They warmed up for the first meeting in perfect fashion by hammering Dundee United 4-1 at Tynecastle with Lawrence Shankland, Barrie McKay and Josh Ginnelly all amongst the goals. Edinburgh Evening News report interest in South Korea internationalist Lee Seung-woo remains 'strong' while Neilson would like another central midfield player.
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READ MORE: Hearts' rivals FC Zurich sit bottom as they strike late in basement clash in Europa League warm up
But with the squad list due at Uefa on Tuesday, any potential addition won't make the deadline.
He said: “The [European] squad needs to be registered by Tuesday so I don't see us getting someone in before that,
On his current attacking options at the club, he added: “They have all got good moments in them. Ginnelly came on and he has those moments.
“Gary Mackay-Steven is still getting up to full fitness but he also has those moments and I think it is important that we have that.
“We could do with another one, maybe two in there to give you that final moment because you need it in these games.
“I was pleased with the result. We started the game really well but I thought, in the first half, we never played anywhere near the levels we normally play at.
“We were trying to force the play, giving it away and not doing the things we’d spoke about previously. We changed it at half-time and managed to get settled in the game and do what we’re good at.”
The Tynecastle boss also provided a positive injury update on Alex Cochrane and Craig Halkett ahead of the Euro trip.
He added: “Alex will be fine. It was just a tight hamstring and we were going to get him off and get Stephen Kingsley on anyway. Halks just twisted his ankle but he will be okay for Thursday.”
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