Hearts transfer priority 'named' as Neil Critchley reveals key reason he swooped for Harry Milne

The Jambos face two massive final games pre-split as they bid to book top six football before turning focus to Europe and summer

Hearts will target a new right-back in the summer as the capital club look to strengthen in the key area.

The backroom team will work alongside sports recruitment firm Jamestown Analytics in a bid to identify possible targets ahead of the new season before making moves to add in the position.

Currently it is an area of the park they find themselves light in with Gerard Taylor suffering from injuries meaning he has been restricted in his action while youngster Adam Forrester continues to take on the role and likely to keep the position for the remainder of the campaign.

Boss Neil Critchley told Edinburgh Evening News it is a position that needs addressed when the season comes to an end and plans kick into gear to freshen up the squad ahead of the new campaign. He explained: “Gerald is on loan and Adam has done really well.

"We always want two players for every position to have a competitive squad. The guys here have a chance to stake their claim until the end of the season.

“That's a bit harder now for Gerald because he is injured, but those discussions are taking place. The players aren't daft, they know they are at Hearts and they should have competition. They have to perform well to play in our team. It's definitely something we will be looking at.”

It's not the only position that the Jambos will look at with attack another of priority. Skipper Lawrence Shankland is in the final months of his contract with nothing agreed either way while Elton Kabangu is on loan from Union Saint-Gilloise - although Tynecastle officials can convert that deal into a full time agreement if they want.

Critchley also singled out Harry Milne for praise and admitted his versatility was a key reason for bringing him on board at Hearts.

The former Partick Thistle man made his debut in the 3-0 defeat at Celtic, but the fact he can play in a number of positions or systems is a trait that appeals to his boss, who hailed his 'grit and determination' in the Parkhead loss.

He added: “That was one of the reasons for signing him. You need some flexibility within your squad.

“You need some players who can play different positions if called upon, whether that's down to injuries or suspension. Harry gives us that flexibility.

“He is capable of playing left-back if Penners [James Penrice] was injured or suspended. He has just played left-sided centre-half in a back three because we saw him play in that position for Partick.

"We knew he was capable of doing both jobs. What you get from Harry is exactly what we got on Saturday - a player full of grit and determination who is not without ability, either. He can be really pleased with how he played.”

Hearts are in the battle to secure top six football going into the final two games before they can think about Europe.

They currently occupy sixth spot and face a massive clash with Dundee United at the weekend. They are five clear and one place ahead of the capital club in the table before they make a trip to Motherwell the following weekend in what could prove a decider.

The Steelmen - like St Mirren - are just one point behind Hearts in the race for the top half. The Gorgie men also have the small matter of a Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen at Hampden on the horizon.