FIVE AID

GRAHAM RIX last night warned Celtic that Hearts' latest transfer spree can propel the Jambos to the SPL title this season.

The Tynecastle gaffer could not hide his delight as the Gorgie outfit unveiled their new signings just hours before the closure of the January transfer window.

And Rix reckons he finally possesses a squad that can edge league leaders Celtic to the Bank of Scotland SPL title in May.

Bosnia winger Mirsad Beslija, 26, joined the club from Racing Genk on a three-and-a-half year deal for a club record fee of £800,000.

Joining him in the capital is Portugal Under-21 defender Jose Goncalves, loaned immediately to Hearts for three-and-a-half years after the 21-year-old completed a £700,000 move from Swiss side FC Thun to FBK Kaunas.

Midfielder Bruno Aguiar, 24, has also been loaned to Hearts from Kaunas after his contract with Benfica was cancelled by mutual consent in December.

And Finnish international Juho Makela has signed directly for the Jambos from HJK Helsinki in a £500,000 deal.

The signings take Vladimir Romanov's spending through the £2million barrier as the new additions join fellow newcomers Lee Johnson, Chris Hackett, Neil McCann and Nerijus Barasa in the squad.

Rix revealed that January had been the longest month of his life and insisted he had a direct say in all of the targets coming to Tynecastle but praised Lithuanian owner Romanov for funding the deadline-day deals.

Rix, whose own contract at Tynecastle runs out at the end of the season, believes the late transfer deals suggest he could be in Gorgie for the long haul.

He said: "The signings of these players is a huge statement of intent and shows Hearts mean business.

"I have never said Hearts had given up on winning the championship but we have to focus on what we are trying to do. If Celtic slip up we will be ready.

"We are trying to carry on what we have done already this season and improve on that.

"When you think of the way we played on Saturday against Hibs and that was without Steven Pressley, Roman Bednar, Edgaras Jankauskas and Neil McCann.

"All of a sudden with these guys I have a big squad to choose from. Our squad has been thin on the ground but now I believe we have a real squad and healthy competition for places. I have 20 players champing at the bit who can all do a great job for me.

"All the players have signed three-and-a-half year deals and they wanted to play for us. There were other clubs after every single one of them and they have all chosen Hearts.

"Whether it was the facilities or our ambition I do not know but the main thing is they are here."

Although Rix believes he will now be spoiled for choice over his best 11 he issued a warning to all his players that now, more than ever, they cannot take a first-team place for granted.

He said: "Hearts are building not only for the short term but the long term as well and every player here is now fighting for their place.

"If people do not perform they won't play and who is to say I will not change a winning team.

"Since I have been here Vladimir Romanov has been nothing but 100 per cent supportive of me and I really appreciate it.

"He deserves a massive pat on the back as he does get stick but he has put his money where his mouth is. You can read what you want into the fact that the owner has brought these players into the club and backed me.

"When you get support like this it gives you a boost but I will not take anything for granted.

"We all identified these players, myself, John McGlynn, Vladimir Romanov and it was like an MCC committee meeting when we met to discuss targets.

"But I don't feel under any pressure to deliver silverware this season. If we can achieve some success this season then fine. The boys probably deserve it for the campaign they have had but we also have to look long term."

The only disappointment on a busy day for Hearts was the news that Paul Hartley will have to serve a three-match ban for his kick at Ross Wallace in the 3-2 defeat by Celtic at Tynecastle on New Year's Day.

Rix said: "We expected that to happen to Paul but it is a massive blow. He is such a great player and so important to this club.

"Signing these players helps me choose a possible replacement for Paul while he is serving his ban. But a rest at this stage in the season could be a blessing in disguise as he is a great pro and works hard.

"Maybe a week in the sun will do him good as he will come back fully refreshed."

Meanwhile, new Finnish striker Makela echoed Rix's sentiments and insisted he has joined a club soon to be mentioned in the same breath as the Old Firm.

The 22-year-old, who has five international caps and scored 33 goals in 41 games as HJK finished second in the Finnish league last season, snubbed FC Basel to pledge his future to Tynecastle.

Makela said: "Hearts are a club going forward full speed and that is an exciting situation for me.

"They have a new owner who really wants to make this club one of the best in Scotland and Europe and they are challenging Celtic for the title this season.

"There are two big teams in Scotland in Celtic and Rangers but there will soon be three as this club has great ambitions and expectations.

"I spoke to Swiss national coach Roy Hodgson who recommended I come here and I also spoke to former Hearts keeper Antti Niemi.

"He was a huge favourite in his spell with the club so I was even more convinced that I would be joining Hearts after speaking to Antti.

"I know Hearts need a striker and I believe I am the man who could do a job for them and I am convinced there is a place in the squad for me.

"That is why Hearts was the best choice for me."

Taken from the Daily Record