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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Steven Naismith confirms Hearts right-back search

Hearts manager Steven Naismith has admitted he doesn't expect a busy January transfer window but confirmed a move will be made for a right-back.

The Tynecastle boss revealed a transfer move for cover at right-back is "obvious" after Nathaniel Atkinson struggled with injury and Odel Offiah returned to Brighton.

Naismith has spoken openly on his desire to add to his options in the problem position, but suggested there may be little further business done next month.

On BBC Sportsound, Naismith said: "I wouldn't expect us to be doing loads.

"I think the clear area that we need to improve is right-back. We lost Odel going back to Brighton and Natty Atkinson has had an injury.

"We've really struggled in that area so that is the obvious one.

"Other than that, we'll look around for if there are areas that we can improve the squad.

"But I said when I first came in, gone are the days that you should be changing five, six, seven, eight, nine players a season.

"You want to try and recruit payers that maybe you don't need right away that you can then give time to settle in.

"I think we have suffered from that as well at points with some of our signings that have had to come in and it has been a big ask for them.

"Recruitment is one of the most important parts of every club. I think in Scotland in terms of where the market is it is so important for investment and to get a return on your investment and it to be te difference in games."

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