Steven Naismith names Hearts transfer priority that needs addressing as boss makes January plans clear

Jambos boss is happy with his squad as it stands but knows there's a key area needing strangthened.

Steven Naismith admits Hearts must find a new right back in January with Nat Atkinson on Asian Cup duty in Qatar and Odel Offiah back at Brighton.

The Tynecastle boss may be bracing himself for interest in skipper and goal machine Lawrence Shankland over the next 22 days. But in terms of incomings the clear priority is to find natural defensive cover on the right flank where Toby Sibbick had to fill in against Livingston in the final game before the winter break.

Atkinson and Kye Rowles could be on Socceroo duty until mid-February depending on the success of Graham Arnold’s side in the middle east. Offiah returned to Brighton in November after a medical issue stalled his loan spell in Gorgie. And Naismith admits landing a right back is number one on his to do list - with the return of Craig Halkett from long-term injury a perfectly timed boost to the centre of Hearts defence. He said: “Exactly. With us getting the longer term ones back, we have a good squad. We have got a competitive squad.

“We need to look at the right-back position especially with Odel going back to Brighton. Before Natty was called up to the squad we needed to look at that situation, so we definitely do.

“We have managed to cover and get through when Natty was injured. It's an area we've highlighted that we do get another body in. We will look to do something. We are still looking at exactly who we want. There are conversations getting had all the time. We know we need to do it. We know we are restricted when the Aussie boys go away. It's something we will be proactive with.”

Atkinson and Rowles are building up for their Asian Cup opener against India on Saturday with group games against Syria and Uzbekistan following on January 18 and 23.

With the Aussies among the favourites to lift the silverware, just behind Japan and South Korea, it means the duo could be in Qatar until the middle of next month with the final scheduled for February 10.

Naismith admits the situation leaves him with a problem - even if the cash reimbursement for the Tynecastle club helps ease the headache.

He said: “We are comfortable with it. It’s not ideal but it’s a consequence of having Australian players in your squad. You need to deal with it. In one respect it’s good recognition and it’s good for them to play in it but it’s not ideal for us. We’ll prepare for it and we’re comfortable.”

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