HEARTS coach Graham Rix has assured fans the club is working hard to bring new signings to Tynecastle in January.

The transfer window opens in a few weeks and the Englishman is keen to see his squad strengthened. The goalless stalemate at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle at the weekend saw Hearts fall three points behind Bank of Scotland Premierleague leaders Celtic, but Rix is hopeful they will be more prepared to challenge for pole position again next month by adding some new faces.

"We're currently trying to make progress towards making some signings in January," he said.

"As always, though, the key thing is to make sure they are the right players. You'll appreciate that there's not a lot much more I can say on that at the moment, but we are working hard on it."

Rix is sweating over the fitness of three players for Saturday's game against Rangers at Ibrox, a situation which backs up his claims that he needs more options. Edgaras Jankauskas returned from two games out with a hamstring injury against Inverness but is still feeling the effects of that substitute appearance, while Roman Bednar is battling back to fitness following a thigh knock.

Samuel Camazzola is also struggling after the weekend action, picking up a foot injury, but Rix is hopeful all three will be in contention for the meeting with the Scottish champions.

He said: "Sammy took a slight knock to his foot last weekend, but it's nothing too serious and he should be OK.

"Edgaras and Roman are both still carrying injuries but they are making good progress and we're hopeful that they'll be fit for the weekend."

Better news for Hearts is that Julien Brellier will be back in the squad, after serving a one-match ban.

Rix has recorded just one win since taking over at Hearts, drawing the other three games, but he has pleaded for patience, claiming injuries and suspensions have been a factor.

"I know we took a bit of flak at the weekend but I think you need to put these things into perspective," he added. "We were missing two top-class strikers and a key player in midfield. That upsets the balance of any team.

"For example, if you take Sutton and Hartson out of the Celtic team, or Owen and Shearer out of the Newcastle side, you'll see the same thing happening."

Meanwhile, Hearts midfielder Neil MacFarlane will seek reassurances from Rix about his future at Tynecastle.

The 28-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, has battled back from fitness after being sidelined with a knee injury picked up against former club Queen's Park in a CIS Insurance Cup tie in August. MacFarlane, who saw a proposed switch to Dundee United fall through at the last minute at the start of the season, has been on the bench in recent weeks but has yet to figure under Rix.

The midfielder, however, insists he is keen to stay. "My aim a month ago was to get back fit so I could be in a position to do something no matter what happened. I want to stay and fight for my place. I have been here for a few seasons now and love it at Tynecastle. Hopefully we can talk about things in January. The new manager has done well since arriving and we're all loving it under him.

"I'm trying my hardest to get back involved by next month and hope it pays off. I'm still enjoying my time here although nobody likes sitting on the bench."

Taken from the Scotsman