Neil Critchley talks Hearts transfer latest - plus debuts for Michael Steinwender and Sander Kartum
The window closes at 11pm on Monday
Neil Critchley admitted Hearts are still looking and searching for possible transfer deals ahead of Monday evening’s deadline. However, the club’s head coach is content with business done so far after bringing Elton Kabangu, Jamie McCart, Michael Steinwender and Sander Kartum to Tynecastle Park.
“I'm happy with what we've done so far. I'm happy with the work that we've done,” said Critchley. “I think we've strengthened the squad. I never want to lie or promise anything. We're still looking, we're still searching. If we can strengthen, we will. There's nothing imminent right now, but just because of the timeframe where we're on Friday and it closes on Monday, then anything that happens has to be imminent, doesn't it, because of the timeframe. So we shall see.”
The club are exploring options to add to their attack but incomings are not dependent on players leaving Hearts. “No, we can add to the squad, yes, if we want to. But only if, again, we think it's right for the squad or right for the club,” explained Critchley. “But I think with the work that we've done, actually talking about it this morning, you don't realise how many outgoings and incomings there's been, because you're in it every day and you're living it every day.
“When you actually take back and have a look at the names this morning, you can forget the bodies that have actually come in and gone out. So we're still searching, we're still working. We'll be speaking about it again today, but also we've had an important game to prepare for as well.”
Enquiries have been made for some out-of-favour Hearts players, with Yutaro Oda and Barrie McKay both generating interest. Critchley did not name any individuals but admitted there have been conversations. “There has been some interest in some players, yeah. Again, some has greater clarity or carries a little bit more credence than others. Some is hearsay, gossip, rumours. We've had one or two enquiries, but I'd say nothing where it's at the stage where we're expecting anyone to leave as of right now.”
Hearts face Dundee at Dens Park on Saturday with the potential of moving into the Premiership’s top six should results work in their favour. Austrian centre-back Steinwender could be given a debut in defence, whilst Norwegian midfielder Kartum is also pushing for inclusion in the squad. Both were left out of last week’s win over Kilmarnock to work on fitness and sharpness.
“They're closer, yeah. That's a decision I have to make this afternoon,” said Critchley. “They've trained all week. They look better every day. We've done some testing with them as well physically to see where they're at. And then it's now just getting that decision right or that balance right of, are they ready? Are they ready to start? Do they come in off the bench? Michael's situation is probably different than Sander's just because of positionally, if you're looking at actually players who are available, then one is different to the other.”
Craig Halkett, Frankie Kent and Stephen Kingsley are Hearts’ three injured central defenders, allied to Daniel Oyegoke’s transfer to Hellas Verona and Kye Rowles’ departure for DC United. Those issues are likely to accelerate Steinwender’s progress into the squad, if not the starting line-up.
There could be another player on the team bus who has yet to appear under Critchley, with Australian midfielder Calem Nieuwenhof close to returning from nearly 11 months out with a hamstring injury. “Yes he is, he's been training,” stated the manager. “We had a game last week behind closed doors, he played for 70 minutes and did very well. So Calem is in contention, yes.
“He's been in full training now for a number of weeks. He played 70 minutes in the game here and proved his fitness in that. Psychologically, because of how long he has been out, it's been important for him to gain more confidence in his body. When we push him and put that little bit of extra demand on his body, he's not going to break down. He keeps coming through that and he's been training for a number of weeks, so I'd have no hesitation in picking him or bringing him off the bench.”