Hearts boss denies last-ditch bids for Gow or Kyle

JIM JEFFERIES is seeking an attacking midfielder or forward in the mould of Colin Cameron to spark his second tenure as Hearts manager. However, he has dismissed the prospect of Kevin Kyle or Alan Gow arriving at Tynecastle before tonight's transfer deadline.

Since replacing Csaba Laszlo on Friday, Jefferies has been busily attempting to source fresh blood before the January transfer window closes. He is hopeful some business may be done today but stressed he will not sign a player simply for the sake of it.

His preference would be for a bustling attack-minded player like Cameron, who served him so well during his first spell at Tynecastle in the 1990s. He said neither Kyle nor Gow fit the bill for now.

"You get people phoning you up saying this player is available. You say you'll think about it, and suddenly you're linked with him publicly," said Jefferies. "There's been no move for Alan Gow. Like a lot of clubs, we've been notified he is available but we're looking for a different type of player.

"As for Kevin, I think he is committed to staying at Kilmarnock for now although he's out of contract at the end of the season. There's nothing happening with him.

"We're looking for that midfield type of player who can get in beyond the strikers and offer support up front. We have midfielders who sit and win the ball but we need someone to go and link up. A bit like Colin Cameron, who I had last time at Hearts."

One player heading out of Hearts is reserve midfielder Stephen Husband, who is expected to join Blackpool on a permanent deal today. He has been allowed to leave with Jefferies' blessing.

Meanwhile, the Tynecastle ticket centre will remain open until 7pm this evening to cope with demand for tomorrow's Co-operative Cup semi-final encounter with St Mirren at Fir Park, which has increased following Jefferies' appointment.

Marius Zaliukas is expected to be fit for the match despite leaving the field through injury at half-time against St Johnstone.