Robbie Neilson admits he’ll be forced to squeeze every extra penny out of the Hearts budget after a season-ending injury to Liam Boyce.
The Jambos boss will attempt to use the final days of the window to bolster his attacking options after losing the Northern Irishman to a damaged cruciate in Sunday’s Premiership win over St Johnstone. Kye Rowles also misses tonight’s Premier Sports Cup last-16 clash with Killie after undergoing surgery on a damaged metatarsal and also faces a prolonged spell out.
It all adds up to a headache for Neilson for whom a last-minute recruitment drive has been rubber-stamped. He said: “I’ve been chatting to the board for the last few weeks to be honest. We had a meeting on Monday that was already scheduled. We went over it again and, given the extent of the two injuries, what we’re looking to do [to strengthen the squad]. It’s just a case of getting it done now.