Derek McInnes hoping to add to Hearts squad ahead of Sunday showdown with Celtic

Derek McInnes revealed he is hopeful of adding one or two new recruits to his Hearts squad ahead of Sunday’s top-of-the-table showdown with Celtic as he reacts to a damaging week.

The Jambos have lost key duo Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin to injuries until March, while Beni Baningime is suspended for the next two matches and fellow midfielder Tomas Magnusson has emerged as a fresh doubt for the visit of the Hoops.

Uganda winger Rogers Mato, who has agreed a move to Tynecastle, could be signed and sealed for the weekend while Hearts have had a bid turned down for Forest Green captain and midfielder Laurent Mendy.

A new striker is also being targeted as they try to find a replacement for attacking focal point Shankland.

Oisin McEntee and Ageu are back in training after injury lay-offs and could come into contention for a place in the squad, which would go some way to easing McInnes’ midfield problems.

“It’s been a tough week with injuries and suspensions and stuff and it has taken its toll but I think the good thing is we’ve got to be grateful that we’re in a January window and you can still act upon it,” said McInnes on Wednesday.

“We could be sitting here next month and all of a sudden you’re faced with this. So at least we’re actively trying to alleviate some of the concerns we have and hopefully that can be the case.

“We’re actively trying to bring in one or two if we can. We’re hoping we can get Mato in for the weekend but if not at least we know he’s coming this month which is good work by the club. There’s one or two other conversations being had at the minute and if we can get them in for Sunday, great.”

McInnes will “not get too caught up in team selection” until Friday when he has a better idea of who will be available for selection but he is confident he has enough options to find a way to overcome Celtic for a third time this season.

Regardless of whether he can land the desired reinforcements in time for Sunday, the manager is grateful the Hearts hierarchy are of a mind to back him at a time when they are six points clear at the top of the William Hill Premiership.

“If we need to make bids for players we’ll try and get things done and the good thing is from (club benefactor) James Anderson, the board, (sporting director) Graeme Jones, we’ve had magnificent support,” said McInnes. “The ability to react to a situation is always reassuring for a manager.

“A lot of the time it’s ‘the budget’s the budget’ and sometimes the answer’s ‘no’ – the majority of the time in my career the answer’s been ‘no’ when I’ve went and asked the questions – but this time there’s people here that are keen to try and support because we’re in a brilliant position as a club.

“I think everybody recognises the need to try and be as strong as we possibly can be coming out the window.”