Jefferies is looking ahead to next season

Hearts manager Jim Jefferies admits he is keen to add to his striking options in the close season.

Jefferies' side drew 0-0 with Dundee United, putting fifth place and a possible spot in Europe all but out of Hearts' reach.

"We're disappointed not to make Europe but we took it to the second-last game.

"There was plenty of effort but Hearts' problem all season has been scoring goals. We have to put that right in the summer and I'm sure we will."

Jefferies returned for a second spell in charge of the Tynecastle side in January and believes he has a good base of players to build upon.

"We know what we're doing in the summer and we can go and prepare properly," said Jefferies.

"We've got the nucleus of a very good side. Some players have really impressed me since I came in and I think maybe even the way that we've changed things around has let them express themselves, they've ended up doing better than I thought they would.

"We're looking next year to build and get above Dundee United, Motherwell and Hibs and that's what we'll try and do."

Hearts this week revealed a £35m debt for the year to July 2009 but, even with expected cutbacks, Jefferies is confident he can assemble a competitive squad.

"Hearts have been in debt for a number of years before I came here; they always manage, they're a big club," added Jefferies.

"For all (owner) Mr Romanov gets criticised, the one thing he does do is that he puts money in to try and make a good team.

"We know we've got to make cutbacks but I'm sure the budget will still be good enough for me to go in and operate and the debt side of things is in good hands because the people a the top know what they're doing; they're in the banking fraternity so it shouldn't really be a problem."

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