Hearts boss Csaba Laszlo not expecting Romanov to open wallet

CSABA LASZLO today expressed doubt over whether Hearts will recruit any new players before the January transfer window closes at midnight on Monday.

The Hungarian admitted he is less than confident that the Tynecastle hierarchy will sanction any new arrivals despite him furnishing them with a list of potential signing targets in early December.

Names including Izale McLeod, Steven MacLean, Bojan Djordjic and Kieran Agard were identified by Laszlo and presented to Vladimir Romanov, Hearts' majority shareholder, and his board of directors.

However, their response has been to inform Laszlo privately that his targets were not of sufficient quality.

"Eight weeks ago, I gave the board every information that I think is necessary," said the manager. "Actually, they have not come back with new players. I try only to concentrate on what I have. If something happens in the next few days, I will be happy about this. We have a few days left. I believe in what I see and what I feel. I don't think about this situation too much now."

Laszlo has selection problems for tomorrow's SPL trip to St Johnstone, with Ian Black and Scott Robinson already excluded by back and knee injuries respectively. Ruben Palazuelos and Lee Wallace were to be examined today by medical staff at Riccarton before a decision is taken on their fitness.

Ismael Bouzid, meanwhile, was sent to hospital with a suspected broken nose following a first-half challenge by Aberdeen's Darren Mackie at Tynecastle on Wednesday evening but he centre-back is expected to declare himself fit for Perth.