Jim Jefferies today offered his backing for Hearts' strategy of focusing on bringing through the best young players from the club's academy.

And the new manager also explained he's comfortable with the idea any new signings fitting certain key criteria in that they will broadly be young, talented players who can grow at Tynecastle.

Ryan Stevenson, signed from Ayr United on transfer deadline day, is the sort of player that Jim believes should be coming to the club, he revealed.

"I don't disagree with the strategy or philosophy of getting the younger player through like we did last time," the 59-year-old said.

"The other side is identifying good younger players to come in to the club who you can get two or three good years from.

"If they move on to better things then you can re-invest that in the team and get it going that way.

"There's a bit of building to do but there is a nucleolus here that we can build round."

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