Heart of Midlothian

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Former Hearts sporting director Joe Savage says "the world's their oyster" in terms of the calibre of players the Tynecastle club can attract thanks to their success so far this season.

Derek McInnes' side are six points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership and embroiled in a three-way title fight with Celtic and Rangers.

Thanks to investment from Brighton owner Tony Bloom, and the use of his Jamestown Analytics data company for recruitment, Hearts' fine form is fuelled by smart signings.

Two new recruits - Jordi Altena and Islam Chesnokov - have already arrived in the January window, with Rogers Mato on his way and further additions likely.

Savage, who worked as Hearts sporting director between 2021 and 2024, says with the help of Jamestown, and thanks to their strong position in the Premiership, the Edinburgh club can now sign the type of players that would have been a pipedream in the past.

"They have signed some good players already," Savage told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"I would imagine they'll do maybe two or three more because they've lost Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin to injury, so they want to make sure they keep that momentum going.

"The world's their oyster in terms of the players that they can go and attract and try to sign.

"When I was there, when we were second, third or fourth in the league, you could feel there was a real interest from players you probably never thought you could get because they're looking and thinking they could maybe get to the Europa League or the Conference League.

"Hearts can now say 'Look guys, come and help us get into the Champions League.' Every player you ever speak to, they want to play in the Champions League, they want to hear that music. So they've got a great chance of doing that at Hearts."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Derek McInnes has been speaking to the media before Premiership leaders Hearts face closest challengers Celtic this weekend.

Here are the key lines from the Hearts boss:

• McInnes is hoping to have incoming forward Rogers Mato available for Sunday's game: "But if not at least we know he's coming this month, which is good work by the club that we've negotiated that. He'll definitely help us in the second part of the season."

• On Mato, he adds: "He can play wide, he can play as a 10, he can play right across the front line. He's got pace to play at the top end of the pitch. A lot of his games he's played off the left, for his country he's played off the right, he's played central. Just a good option to have across that front line."

• Having had a bid rejected for Forest Green's Laurent Mendy, McInnes is "actively trying" to bring in one or two players - including a midfielder - before the game and says: "If you can get one or two things in, then it maybe alleviates minimising that risk with certain players."

• With key players Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin both ruled out until March, McInnes is "grateful" the injuries happened during the transfer window and not next month.

• On whether he wants to sign a number nine: "Possibly, possibly. Maybe somebody with a different profile. I think it's hard to get like for like. With the greatest respect, Lawrence is Lawrence. There's not too many of them about. But sometimes if you can't get better, you bring something different to the table. And that's always been something we've always tried to stick to."

• McInnes says he needs to make sure the club are in a strong position beyond this window for the remainder of the season.

• He is refusing to get "too caught up in team selection" until later in the week when he knows who is available, but is optimistic Hearts will be strong enough to beat Celtic again.

• Despite the injury problems, McInnes stresses it is not "doom and gloom" at Tynecastle: "Losing key players is part and parcel of football. I don't want anybody of a Hearts persuasion to lose any sort of hope or optimism."

• He highlights the "magnificent support" he has had in particular from Hearts benefactor James Anderson and sporting director Graeme Jones.

• He adds: "The ability to react to a situation is always reassuring for a manager. A lot of the time it's 'the budget's the budget' and sometimes the answer's 'no' - the majority of the time in my career the answer's been 'no' when I've went and asked the questions - but this time there's people here that are keen to try and support because we're in a brilliant position as a club."

• The Scottish Cup defeat to Falkirk on penalties last weekend "did sting" but the "one good thing" it brings is fewer games, allowing Hearts to focus fully on their title bid.

• Midfielder Thomas Magnusson is a further doubt but McInnes hopes he will train later this week. Ageu and McEntee are also possibilities and will be given as long as possible to prove their fitness.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Losing on penalties to Falkirk in the Scottish Cup will sting, but it was not the most damaging outcome of the weekend for Hearts.

The injury to Lawrence Shankland could prove far more costly.

Since signing a new contract last summer to stay at Tynecastle, the 30-year-old has been in outstanding form and his importance to this side is beyond dispute.

In the 25 matches he has featured in this season, Hearts have lost just once in 90 minutes - a statistic that underlines just how central he has been to their success.

Even that solitary loss, the 3-2 defeat at Easter Road, required a moment of brilliance from goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger, whose world-class save denied Shankland a late equaliser.

Remove Shankland from this team and the dynamic inevitably changes. Add in the absence of Cammy Devlin, another heartbeat player, and suddenly two of Derek McInnes' most influential performers are sidelined until at least March.

Throw Beni Baningime's two-match suspension into the mix and the narrative around Hearts' strength in depth is suddenly being tested in the most unforgiving way.

Yes, this is a big squad, but size alone doesn't win titles, and right now central midfield looks stretched.

Rogers Mato will arrive to bolster the forward line, but the greater concern lies in the middle of the park. There are internal solutions, but none come without compromise.

Harry Milne's versatility is admirable, but he is being asked to plug gaps rather than thrive in a defined role. Blair Spittal can operate centrally, but he is most effective higher up the pitch. Oisin McEntee's return would help, though his fitness remains a question mark.

Even the prospect of Stuart Findlay stepping into midfield speaks volumes about the current situation. It would add physicality, yes, but also underline how thin options are becoming.

With less than two weeks of the transfer window remaining, recruitment is now less an opportunity and more a necessity.

Hearts are about to enter a defining stretch of their season. Celtic at home is followed by tough trips to Dundee United and St Mirren, before another Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle. There is no bedding-in period available.

Hearts have shown little fear against the Old Firm this season, but the sense persists that Celtic, with Martin O'Neill back at the helm, will eventually click and when they do the consequences could be severe.

Given the mounting injuries and a six-point cushion at the top of the Premiership, pragmatism may be required. Avoiding defeat on Sunday would not be a failure, it could be a smart piece of damage limitation.

Hearts have bid for Forest Green Rovers midfielder Laurent Mendy, 28. (Joel Sked on X), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

We asked for your views after Hearts striker and captain Lawrence Shankland was ruled out for up to eight weeks, with the club agreeing a deal for Uganda forward Rogers Mato.

Here are some of your comments:

Gary: As if Celtic and Rangers need any luck with their resources! Cammy Devlin and Shanks have been Hearts' pest performers this season thanks to the roles Derek McInnes has given them. A massive blow that I fear is irreparable at this time of the season.

Jeff: Obviously a massive blow, especially on the back of the injury to another leader in Devlin. We will really need Ageu and Islam Chesnokov to get up to speed quickly and Mato to hit ground running. We have coped first half of season with no natural right-hand side, a different set of problems... got to stay positive.

Stuart: Shankland will be a great miss. He seems to be the glue that holds the frontline together. With the number of injuries we have it does raise the question of training methods and preparation for the games.

Ken: Huge blow as Landry Kabore and Elton Kabanga are not up to it. McInnes has a really hard job to get through the next eight weeks. He will need to try and get partnerships working quickly up front and some wingers may need to play off strikers.

Ian: It's a massive loss. I never believed we would win the league but I had hope, that's now gone. Why are so many Hearts players suffering hamstring injuries? Bad luck? Poor training regimes? I can't see anyone currently at the club scoring the number of goals Shanks does. The opposition will be lapping this news up.

Chris: Very unfortunate with injuries to key players, however the Jam Tarts are still in a great position and the transfer window still open. We have to speculate to accumulate, and now is the time to utilise Brighton and Union St-Gilloise contacts plus the Jamestown data coupled with the Bloom/Anderson finances. Quality cover must be brought in and then when Shankland is back we can finish the season so strong.

Martin Watt
BBC Sport Scotland

Lawrence Shankland has been back to his best this season, so his loss for up to two months is a colossal setback for Hearts.

The Tynecastle club have reacted swiftly to the absence of their strike talisman and captain, agreeing a deal with FK Vardar for Rogers Mato to bring in the Uganda forward this month rather than wait until summer.

However, Mato is unlikely to be on board in time for Sunday's top-of-of-the-table showdown with Celtic.

Mato's form this season is prolific - 15 goals in 17 club outings - but he'll have to hit the ground running like Usain Bolt if Hearts are not to feel the loss of Shankland, whose lay-off comes on top of influential midfielder Cammy Devlin also being ruled out for up to eight weeks.

Scotland striker Shankland, 30, is the Premiership's top scorer this season with 11 goals from 21 appearances and has the joint most goal involvements - 13, level with Celtic's Benjamin Nygren.

Shankland has also had the joint most shots (with fellow Hearts forward Claudio Braga) in the league - 57 - and leads the way for shots on target (27) while only four players have had more touches in the opposition box than his total of 96.

His experience and leadership are crucial too as Hearts - currently six points clear - try to hold off the Old Firm and secure their first top-flight title since 1960.

Hearts say Shankland will miss "the next six to eight weeks", so as a best-case scenario he will be absent for seven of their remaining 16 Premiership matches.

That sequence begins with the seismic visit of Celtic, followed by away trips to Dundee United and St Mirren. Then comes a couple of humdingers - derby at home to Hibs and visit to face Rangers - before games against Falkirk and Aberdeen.

How Hearts come through that run without Shankland could well define their season.

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Hearts have been rocked by another major injury blow, with striker Lawrence Shankland ruled out for six to eight weeks because of a hamstring strain.

The striker - who has 15 goals for the club this season - joins influential midfielder Cammy Devlin on the sidelines as league leaders Hearts chase down their first top-flight title in 66 years.

Where does the loss of Shankland leave Hearts and their title hopes? Is a new striker now a must before the transfer deadline?

Share your views here.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Hearts are hoping to have the results of striker Lawrence Shankland's hamstring scan later on Tuesday.

The Premiership leaders - who host second-place Celtic on Sunday - fear the 30-year-old Scotland international could be out for a number of weeks with the injury sustained in the Scottish Cup loss to Falkirk last Saturday.

Shankland has been integral to Hearts' title challenge and has netted 15 goals in 26 appearances in all competitions for Derek McInnes' side this season.

Speaking after the cup exit, head coach McInnes said: "He doesn't like coming off. He looks a bit concerned about it but hopefully it settles. He's normally a good healer."

Hearts are attempting to bolster their attacking options by expediting the arrival of Uganda forward Rogers Mato, who has already agreed a pre-contract to join in the summer. Negotiations with his club, Macedonian league leaders FK Vardar, are ongoing over a move in this window.

The Tynecastle club are also keen to add at least one midfielder on loan. Cammy Devlin will miss at least the next seven games with a lower leg injury, while fellow key midfielder Beni Baningime sits out the visit of Celtic and trip to face Dundee United through suspension.

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Cammy Devlin injured. Beni Baningime suspended. Lawrence Shankland potentially out. Eliminated from the Scottish Cup.

Despite a growing list of issues that could threaten to derail Hearts' season, BBC Scotland pundit Kevin Thomson still feels Derek McInnes' side "ain't going anywhere for anyone".

A penalty shootout defeat at home to Falkirk ended the Jambos' Scottish Cup hopes at the first hurdle, but McInnes' men could still achieve something special as they remain six points clear at the Scottish Premiership summit.

Hearts have the opportunity to move nine points ahead of reigning champions Celtic when they welcome Martin O'Neill's side on Sunday, but they face being without three key players.

Although Thomson feels those absences "could be a real sucker-punch" for the Gorgie club, the former Scotland midfielder believes the mentality they have demonstrated in recent weeks shows they are in it for the long haul.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, he adds: "Some people have questioned Hearts' mentality and if they've got the depth, if they've got the squad.

"But to beat Dundee with 10 men, for Craig Gordon to come on the pitch and make that save, and to play 75 minutes through the week after Baningime got sent off [and beat St Mirren]...

"This team ain't going anywhere for anyone. So I would certainly not be betting against the Jambos to be right there coming into the end of the season.

"But there's no doubt that these injuries, Shankland and Devlin, could be a real sucker-punch for them."

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes and sporting director Graeme Jones were holding talks on Sunday aimed at reinforcing the squad following a spate of injuries and suspensions in the hope of accelerating transfer business before Sunday's top-of-the-table meeting with Celtic. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

We asked for your views on Hearts' Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Falkirk on penalties.

Here's what some of you said:

Peter: Had a doubt about this game beforehand as Falkirk were better than Celtic midweek and we had Cammy Devlin out injured. Falkirk merited the win and we can at least remain focused on the league. We are all realising now that while our squad is large it lacks sufficient numbers of high quality players in midfield.

Norrie: Horrible night at Tynecastle, we were nowhere near progressing. Something wasn't right, it was almost like the team got spooked by the size of away support.

Dave: Let's get a dose of realism into this season so far. Hearts are top of the league because the Old Firm have been so shockingly bad, so far. Hearts have had two real "must win" games, so far. Both have been lost to a team newly promoted and a team now struggling. Hearts' next "must win" game is their next, against a resurgent, so far, Celtic. Hearts may have come "so far" since last season but it's looking like they will not "arrive" this season.

Jim: Sometimes you just have to hold up your hand and compliment your opponents and that match was one such time. Over the two hours we were second best. Falkirk were better organised, looked hungrier and deserved their victory. We seldom troubled their goal, and were awarded a very doubtful penalty. Even with such a large squad, injuries are stacking up to significant players and suspensions adding to it as well. We will find out very quickly over the next month if our challenge for the top honour is justified. I am still positive about our prospects and a positive result against Celtic will confirm if I am right to remain positive.

Walter: Simply not good enough. Hearts need to be challenging for cups, it's been too long now. Fair play to Falkirk but with the resources Hearts have that's an embarrassment.

Ian: So Derek McInnes becomes only the second Hearts manager since 1965-66 NOT to take the club to a Scottish Cup final in a season ending in 5/6. Robbie Neilson being the other one in 2015-16. Going out of the two cup competitions at an early stage is not acceptable. Some team regulars need to be dropped and/or tactics changed. Clubs are now sitting in and when we fail to score they become more adventurous like Falkirk did. Some players looked like they were towing caravans and Falkirk deserved their win. No doubt some fans think Derek McInnes can do no wrong but that performance was worrying.

Falkirk ended Hearts' Scottish Cup interest at the first hurdle as Elton Kabangu's miss in the penalty shootout proved crucial.

Match report

Have your say

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Hearts manager Derek McInnes: "The players are devastated. It was always going to be a challenging week this, with the way the scheduling was with our third game in six days.

"The performance first half-hour or so was terrific. We're just guilty of not having that final pass and the final shot. Falkirk change their shape, go back to their more familiar shape to try and cope. They were the better team for the first 20 minutes of the second half.

"Our response was good. Disappointed with the goal that was chalked off. I don't see from the angle I've seen an obvious handball there. I thought that was harsh.

"Extra time was just a bit chaotic. It comes down to penalties. Falkirk's penalties were terrific. Credit to them. Huge disappointment."

On Lawrence Shankland's injury, McInnes said: "Hearts fans would maybe worry ahead for next week. We'll see how he is. He doesn't like coming off. He looks a bit concerned about it but hopefully it settles. He's normally a good healer.

"We've got too many injuries going through the club at the minute. We've got an opportunity to maybe react in the transfer market this week.

"Losing wee Cammy Devlin was a blow, Baningime suspended [against Celtic]. It goes without saying that we're a bit short in that area as well. It will be a challenge but we'll be ready for them."

Hearts' title challenge was dealt a blow with the news that Australian midfielder Cammy Devlin will miss the next six to eight weeks with injury.

Here's how you Hearts fans reacted:

Andy: Losing Devlin is a big loss. However, if other midfielders have been banging on McInnes' door for game time they'll now have the opportunity to prove their worth. It's shape up or ship out for these guys. This is a club going places and if they want to be part of it they need to do their talking on the pitch.

David: Devlin will be a big miss but one man does not make a team, a lot of people are wanting Hearts to falter and they might think this is the excuse for them now. It is up to Hearts to keep fighting and it now gives someone else to make a name for themselves.

Paul: Huge blow for Hearts. He has been the anchor man in midfield and his energy and work rate will be sorely missed in the engine room.

Chris: Never ending. Constant injuries. I know other teams have had a few injury concerns but we seem to have had to deal with the brunt of it. No two ways about it, the best player in the league is out for the most important part of the season. Absolutely gutted.

Steve: The sort of injury that can implode our season - Devlin is just that good. We have only one player who could play his role and he's suspended - Beni Baningime - and Oisin McEntee is injured.

Alan: Absolute tragedy. Without doubt overall the best player bar none in Scotland this season. Plays on intuition, turns upon unexpected areas when required, and has an incredible understanding of the game. Without doubt player of the match every time he plays.

Evan: There is enough depth in the squad, just barely, after signing Islam Chesnokov but a new midfield signing is a must in case of further injuries. We need to sign either David Watson, Elijah Just, Callum Slattery, or Elliot Watt immediately.

Peter: Devlin has really stepped up a level this season and made himself one of the 'must have' players in the team sheet. Significant blow to the league title and Scottish Cup hopes for sure. Hearts will need to adapt their play to take account of not having Devlin, but I have confidence that Derek McInnes will find a way to overcome this setback. Just unfortunate that we face Celtic next in the league game.

Gary: For holding midfielders it's got to be Tomas Magnusson and Baningime for the Falkirk game and then McEntee (if fit) or Blair Spittal and Magnusson for the Celtic game.

Ian: I think it would be extremely difficult to get another Devlin in the transfer window. There are very few with that type of tenacity. I think they have to change the style of the midfield if they could get ague fit that would maybe be a solution

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Hearts standout Cammy Devlin has been ruled out injured for up to two months.

How big a blow is the loss of the talismanic midfielder to the Tynecastle title bid?

Can Hearts cope without Devlin in the coming weeks - or should they now be looking to add a midfielder in the January window?

Let us know your thoughts.

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Hearts will scrap their B team set-up from next season, withdrawing from the Lowland League, to focus on their club cooperation agreements.

A statement revealed the next step on their player progression strategy, 'The Hearts Way', which will focus on current agreements with St Johnstone, Montrose and local club The Spartans.

Right-back Adam Forrester is currently at McDiarmid Park, while three youngsters - Gus Stevenson, Euan Glasgow and Tommy North - have all joined Montrose. Defender Kenzie Nair is at Spartans.

The B team started playing in the Lowland League in the 2022-23 season, with the likes of Forrester, James Wilson and Macaulay Tait gaining exposure to men's football in the first few seasons.

They finished second to East Kilbride the following season, under the guidance of former Dundee United manager Liam Fox, but have been mid-table since his departure.

"Although the public focus on JTA [Jamestown Analytics] predominantly centres around the first team, its methodology extends to our younger players too," a club statement said.

"Put simply, the more these young talents play in Scotland's professional leagues, the more they become aligned with JTA, which strengthens our ability to identify, nurture and progress them effectively.

"Given the success of CCAs [club cooperation agreements] and the importance of JTA in our future direction, the club has made the decision that the B Team will no longer operate beyond the end of this season.

"Our club academy will continue to nurture and develop young players all the way up to U19s, and from there we will stretch and challenge these players early in their careers through CCAs and other loan opportunities."

We asked for your thoughts after Hearts confirmed the pre-contract signing of St Johnstone winger Josh McPake.

Here's what some of you said:

Colin: He has done his journeyman stuff, presumably learning as he goes and taken his chance with St Johnstone and has stepped up and shown his talent. Analytics will have highlighted him to us and keeps with Derek McInnes' philosophy of having a Scottish spine in the team. He deserves a chance.

Alan: McPake hasn't really been noticed but the stats don't seem to lie on other players signed. Welcome to Hearts in the summer Josh, good luck.

Jim: The McPake signing sounds like another good piece of football business and at 24 his best years are yet to come. Added to the signing of Mato and James Wilson already in the squad it looks like Hearts are building for the future not just the present.

Jim: The club should be looking to bring in another midfielder to cover Cameron Devlin and Beni Baningime, a ball winner and someone who can keep the ball on the deck. Looks like we are going to have enough strikers and centre-backs, left and right-backs need cover.

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Norwegian midfielder Sander Kartum has left Hearts to join New Zealand-based A-League side Wellington Phoenix on loan until June.

The 30-year-old has made 17 appearances, scoring two goals, since moving to Tynecastle from Brann last January.

But he has played just two games - in the League Cup - for the Premiership leaders this season.