Hearts are looking to get players in during the January transfer window – but they do already have a sizeable squad.
The Jambos certainly need quality to add to their starting XI and to their bench options as, until recent weeks, results have been nowhere near good enough.
Since derby defeat to Hibs, they are unbeaten and have just registered back-to-back wins for the first time this season to lift the doom and gloom a little.
They still have some way to go to fully lift the mood considering they still sit 11th, and some more January business would help.
Hearts signed Belgian striker Elton Kabangu on loan from Union Saint-Gilloise on the first day of the window, but he has been unable to feature so far as they await a work permit.
While defender Jamie McCart has also been drafted in from Rotherham, making his debut off the bench during yesterday’s win over Dundee United.
They will press on for more, with links to Hull City winger Ryan Longman, but there are also likely to be outgoings from Tynecastle.
A number of potentially high earners are either sitting on the bench or not even making matchday squads and could be moved on.
Hearts pair Barrie McKay and Yutaro Oda face uncertain futures
Wingers Barrie McKay and Yutaro Oda were the two to miss out yesterday, and not for the first time.
McKay was last used as a sub in the Conference League defeat to Cercle Brugge in November and hasn’t even made a squad since, while Oda’s only appearance under Critchley came against Copenhagen in the European competition.
They both look surplus to requirements and the manager admits it’s possible they could leave the club this month.
However, having seen Liam Boyce and Jorge Grant force their way back into contention, he insists anything is possible.
Speaking post-match after Dundee United, Critchley said: “We’ll see. Some players obviously when they’re not in the squad and they want to play football, January’s open so it does give that option.
“But I think if you look at Jorge Grant and Boyce where they’ve been out of the team and then they get an opportunity to play, so I won’t rule anything in but I won’t rule anything out either.”
Kye Rowles Hearts exit latest
One player who does look set to leave Tynecastle is defender Kye Rowles, after we revealed he was on the brink of a £600,000 move to MLS side DC United.
Rowles was still in the side yesterday and Critchley told BBC Radio Scotland: “We’ve been approached by another club and negotiations are taking place but nothing is agreed at this moment in time, so Kye is still our player and will remain our player until our valuation is met.
“He’s been terrific, I said that to him yesterday. In my time here he’s been brilliant but I know he’s been brilliant previous to that.
“I think he’s played every minute of every game near enough for me and he’s hardly put a foot wrong.
“He’s a very good player, we don’t want to lose our good players but everyone has a price.”