Robbie Neilson speaks on Hearts' right-back search

Robbie Neilson still intends to bring a new right-back to Hearts if he can get a deal done.

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson is still trying to sign a new right-back.

The Edinburgh club can loan players from Scottish Premiership teams or sign free agents as they try to source back-up for Michael Smith.

“It’s been quiet to be honest. There is one we were looking at but we are still waiting. I’d like to get one in but we are still waiting to see if we can get it done,” admitted Neilson.

“You never know how these things are going to go so at the moment we’re still trying. We just need to wait and see what happens over the next few days.”

Friday night’s 1-1 draw at Queen of the South left Hearts disappointed but also 13 points clear at the top of the Championship.

Neilson was frustrated by the synthetic surface at Palmerston Park and said his team’s control of possession would yield greater reward on grass.

“If we play like that at Tynecastle on a good grass pitch, we win the game. You will create plenty chances,” said the manager.

“On Friday, when the ball came out to a wide player, he had to take two or three touches to get it under control because of the surface.

“By the time he does that, the full-back and wide players are over and centre-halves are set. Even playing it into the striker, rather than laying it off first time he has to take a touch.

“You have no idea what will happen with the ball because it arrives with so much spin. We didn’t get the three points but it was another smaller step forward.”

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