Gow and Kerr could be on Hearts' wanted list

Hearts caretaker boss Stephen Frail says he has signing targets but has played down links with Dundee United's Mark Kerr and Rangers' Alan Gow.

Frail still does not know whether he will be given the job permanently.

But he said: "Between now and the first day of pre-season, I will be working to make sure everything is right, whether it is me in charge or not."

Hearts have been linked with midfielder Kerr and forward Gow, but Frail said they were not presently on his radar.

Gow has failed to become a regular since moving to Ibrox from Falkirk last summer, while Kerr is coming to the end of his contract.

Talking to Hearts' website, Frail also appeared to distance himself from claims by Mauricio Pinilla's agent that the troubled Chile forward had agreed a contract extension.

Frail, who has been working on signing targets with director of football Anatoly Korobochka, expressed himself ready to take on the task of being permanent manager.

He believes that, since he was handed control in January, a much stronger team spirit has developed, which has been translated into better results.

And he believes he can take that into next season and avoid the poor start they had this term.

"If it was a report card, it's not been good enough - and that applies to everyone," he said.

"We need to make sure next season's report card reads a lot better. The fans don't deserve another season like this.

MY SPORT: DEBATE With Frank Rijkaard leaving Barca, is this the big name Vlad has promised? hfc1973

"Pre-season has to be right, we need to hit the ground running the first day of pre-season and be ready for our first league game and make sure we get three points."

Frail says that his work will benefit Hearts even if owner Vladimir Romanov decides against giving him permanent control.

"If it's not me then I want to make sure I've left everything in place for whoever is coming in," he said.