Director Sergejus Fedotovas today stressed Hearts will continue to rely on producing some of the country's top young talent.

The transfer window closed at midnight with the Edinburgh club having strengthened its squad with the signings of Scottish internationals Kevin Kyle and Darren Barr, Republic of Ireland striker Stephen Elliott, Polish midfield powerhouse Adrian Mrowiec and Slovakian keeper Marian Kello.

While delighted at the new additions, Sergejus insisted the club won't be deflected from continuing to rely on its proclaimed youth academy which has already produced such nuggets as Craig Gordon, Christophe Berra, Lee Wallace, Eggert Jonsson and Andrew Driver. 

The conveyor belt of talent shows no sign of slowing up with the likes of David Templeton, Arvydas Novikovas, Craig Thomson and Calum Elliot all catching the eye this season.

In an exclusive interview with Hearts News, Sergejus said: "Our target is still to bring new young faces to the first team from the academy and make them stronger, more professional and give them the chance to move to top clubs in the UK and the rest of Europe.

"Jim puts a lot of hope in the new players. Stephen Elliott had great spells in his career that proves he is capable of delivering what the manager demands from him.

"He has played at big clubs and he has got a lot of experience and skill. Adrian has also impressed Jim over the summer and we look forward to him making an impact in the SPL.

"With Kevin Kyle, Marian Kello and Darren Barr also joining us, we have kept our word to improve the squad. This shows that the club has got potential and can serve as a good platform for players who want a spotlight. Just this week David Templeton was called up into the Scotland U21 squad so that shows what the young players can achieve here.

"Professional management, a good squad and a capital location - this is what attracts players."

Sergejus is also hopeful the squad has the quality to push for third place this season, adding: "We all understand that a club with a third budget should be in the top three - this is our desire.

"European football will increase the value of our players and bring a better experience to our supporters."

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