Head coach Neil Critchley believes the Jambos are in a ‘good place’ as they prepare to take on Dundee at the ScotFoam Stadium on Saturday.
It’s six games unbeaten for the men in maroon, who are yet to lose in 2025, a run which they’ll be looking to extend in the city of Discovery.
The dark blues have been going well themselves recently, following up consecutive draws against both halves of the Old Firm with a Scottish Cup victory over United.
Speaking to the media at the pre-match press conference, Critchley said:
“They [Dundee] have been brilliant. Obviously they had a very good cup win in the derby, and draws against Rangers and Celtic at home. They're all at home, that gives them a lift, they're in good form.
“I believe they've got some players back from injury, so we know we're in for a really tough game, but we're in good form ourselves, and we go there with full confidence. We're in a good place at this moment in time, but we want that to continue, and it will only continue if we play well, we keep performing well, and we show the right application and attitude every game.”
With transfer deadline day looming, Critchley admits he’s happy with the business the Jambos have done in January with recent additions Michael Steinwender and Sander Kartum receiving another week on the training ground with their new teammates.
“I'm happy with what we've done so far," he said. "I think we've strengthened the squad, I never want to lie or promise anything. We're still looking, we're still searching, if we can strengthen we will.
“They've [Sander and Michael] trained all week. They look better every day, and we've done some testing with them as well physically, to see where they're at. And then it's now just getting that decision right, or that balance right, of are they ready? Are they ready to start? Do they come in off the bench?
“We had a plan in place, and we wanted to bring in certain players in certain areas of the pitch, and I think we've done that, and I think we've strengthened, and I'm really pleased with the players that we've brought in. I think they're going to make a big difference to us.”
The head coach confirmed Calem Nieuwenhof is in contention for the trip to Dens Park and added aside from Craig Halkett’s injury sustained against Kilmarnock, there are no fresh injury concerns for the men in maroon.
You can watch Neil’s press conference in full on Hearts TV.
