Hearts manager Derek McInnes has declared the club is ready to bring in players who can 'make the difference' this January, following the announcement of a pre-contract agreement for Uganda international forward Rogers Mato.
Tynecastle Secures Summer Swoop for African Talent
The Edinburgh club confirmed they have reached a deal to sign the 22-year-old winger on a three-year contract when his current deal with Macedonian side Vardar expires this summer. Hearts had previously made an offer of 350,000 euros (approximately £303,400) to sign Mato immediately, but Vardar, who are chasing their own domestic title, rejected the bid, insisting on keeping their key player for the remainder of the season.
Mato, who featured in all three of Uganda's matches at the recent Africa Cup of Nations, was described in a club statement as 'one of Europe’s hottest properties'. His arrival continues a productive month for the recruitment team, who have already added Jordi Altena and Islam Chesnokov to the squad.
McInnes Backed for Further January Business
Speaking ahead of Wednesday night's Premiership clash with St Mirren, where Hearts can restore their six-point lead at the summit, McInnes emphasised the board's continued support. He highlighted the role of analytics firm Jamestown and benefactor James Anderson in identifying and backing moves for quality players.
'We’ve always had huge support from the board,' McInnes stated. 'Everybody on the board recognises that if we can make the difference with one or two signings and step up, then we could be in a position to go and do that.' The manager confirmed that whenever good players are presented to the directors, the backing has been there to get deals done.
A Rallying Cry for the Title Run-In
With his side locked in a direct battle with Rangers and Celtic at the top of the table, McInnes issued a passionate plea to the Hearts support. He urged fans to create an intimidating atmosphere at Tynecastle to aid the team's pursuit of the championship.
'We need all the help we can get,' he said. 'The team’s got the biggest responsibility, but anything anybody wants to do to help, crack on. We want Tynecastle to be something extra special, something extra intimidating for the opponents.'
McInnes firmly dismissed the idea that Hearts' prolonged stay at the top is a temporary fluke. 'We are nearly four months at the top of the league. It’s something substantial,' he asserted, underscoring the unshakable belief within the camp as the season enters its critical phase.
