Hearts have no new injury worries ahead of Thursday’s derby with Capital rivals Hibs at Easter Road (19.45), but head coach, Wouter Vrancken, does not know 100 per cent if Claudio Braga will still be a Jambo come kick-off time.
The transfer window slams shut at 5pm on Thursday, under three hours before the game, and the Belgian is aware that things can happen in the last few moments of the transfer window.
Vrancken (pictured) admitted that discussions are on-going and there are “possibilities all the time, incoming and outgoing”, but he stressed his focus is on players that are already here in Edinburgh.
One of them is versatile Harry Milne who is available for the clash and Vrancken told the media that he hopes new striker, JJ Williams, will be ready to play his “value” to the club as soon as possible.
Could that be at Easter Road?
Vrancken revealed that he was excited and looking forward to the game. He has watched clips of the opposition and added that it was always exciting for the fans.
He stressed: “We have to be ready.”
Vrancken believes it is good to have a rivalry as long as there is no violence and he added: “We are focusing on what we have to do on the pitch. The guys have to know the weight of such a game, they have to be there from the first second, that you are there with your full energy, your full focus.
“It is also important that you are above the emotions and do not let them drag you into doing stupid things. You have to do the things necessary that we plan to make it a good game.”
Braga is still here and he is quality. He is fully focused on the game, said the coach who added: “I think he will be here and I bet on this, but you never know. We hope we can keep him as he is a lot of value to the team.”
Vrancken revealed some new recruits still need to adapt to playing and living in Scotland and, on the game, the coach said that it was important to play football in the derby.
That could give the Jambos extra quality, but added: “We have to know that there is also a fight there and we have to be ready with energy and physicality.”
Every fixture in Scotland is, he said, a difficult game and he said: “We have to match them and, on the ball, we have to find a good solution. We also have to have the conviction to win such a game.”
He has enjoyed what he called good support from the fans and is thankful for that and the backing the team have received in their away games in Europe.
He said: “Without that support it is really difficult and, playing at Tynecastle, it is a really nice atmosphere.”
Everybody, he believes, is behind the team, but squad members have to keep working, keep improving and showing energy to “fight for the badge on the shirt”.
