Hearts: Jim Jefferies is ready to boost Hearts side if needed

HEARTS manager Jim Jefferies won't hesitate to venture into the transfer market again before the end of August if necessary.

Should his team begin the season poorly or incur injuries, Jefferies said he is prepared to reinforce the squad despite four signings already this summer.

John Sutton, Jamie Hamill, Danny Grainger and Mehdi Taouil have all joined on freedom of contract and Jefferies today declared himself happy with the close-season activity. However, he added that further new recruits could be possible if he feels the need.

"Managers are never happy with their squad. There always a couple of players short somewhere. We'll see what happens between now and the end of August. You just never know," he said. "Right now I'm happy with what I've got but it depends on how you start the season and if someone gets a serious injury then you'll try and do something. Right now, if everyone's fit and raring to go, then I don't think there's any need to bring in unless we feel we're a bit short."

Jefferies was unperturbed by defeats to Union Berlin and Cowdenbeath in Hearts' most recent pre-season friendlies. "Pre-season games are a necessity to get your touch, so I don't get too worried by their scores. I'd lose every pre-season game if it meant we went to Ibrox and win," he said.

Quizzed about the future of defender Lee Wallace, who is interesting both Rangers and Wolverhampton Wanderers, Jefferies explained that Hearts want to keep the player but recognise his ambitions to play in England.

"Lee Wallace is a great asset to the club, the problem is he's in the last year of his contract," said Jefferies. "Lee's in his last year and the club will obviously try to extend his contract. Unless a club makes a ridiculous offer it's better keeping him as he's worth more to us even in the short time he would be here. But if it is something that tempts the club then it'll be up to Lee to decide if he goes. If the price is something the club can't turn down, you're better getting a decent transfer than nothing, which we'll get if he sees out his contract and then moves.

"Lee already stated he's very ambitious and opportunities to play in the Premiership don't come around too often for players in Scotland, so you've got all that to consider. Lee's been at this club long enough and if he does move on he'd like the club to get decent money."

Jefferies is hopeful Rudi Skacel's future will be decided within the next 48 hours. "He has contract talks going on with the club and I think they will all be resolved, hopefully today or certainly over the weekend," said the manager.

Andy Driver is due to resume training and Kevin Kyle could do likewise early next month. Hearts entered the Europa League third qualifying round draw today and were due to be drawn against one of the following sides: Hajduk Split (Croatia), Paksi (Hungary)/Troms (Norway), Juvenes-Dogana (San Marino)/Rabotnicki (Macedonia), rebro (Sweden)/FK Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina), Sligo Rovers (Ireland).