Stevenson scored the winner as a stand-in striker against Rangers

Hearts assistant Billy Brown says they are unlikely to make any new signings and thinks the present squad is good enough to maintain a title challenge.

Midfielder Ryan Stevenson played up front and scored in Saturday's 1-0 win over reigning champions Rangers in the absence of injured striker Kevin Kyle.

"We think we can get by with what we have got," Brown told BBC Scotland.

"We have a great ambition to win the league. Who knows? There are a lot of games to play."

Hearts go into Wednesday's game away to Celtic seven points behind the Scottish Premier League leaders but with a game in hand.

But Brown does not think that even a defeat in Glasgow would end the Edinburgh club's title hopes.

"Obviously our record - 11 games, we've had 10 victories and a draw - has put us in a really good position," he said.

The spirit's great and I cannot see us failing if it comes to the real crunch Hearts assistant manager Billy Brown

"I don't think this week, the game against Celtic, is the be all and end all.

"Wednesday is a big game, an important game, but there are a lot of games to come."

Brown thinks his players will not wilt should they still be in with a chance of the title in the final weeks of the season.

"I am not going to say that we can do it, but we are not going to fall down from lack of trying or lack of enthusiasm," he said.

"You never know until you get to that stage. Who knows how people are going to react when you get there?

"This group of players have never been at that stage before, but I am just looking round the dressing-room and the training ground and all I see is a bunch of confident lads who have a belief in themselves and a belief in each other.

"This is not any pressure we are under here. The pressure is when you're at the other end of the league, scrapping away for points and struggling for your livelihood.

"This is great and we obviously feel that we can keep it going.

"The spirit's great and I cannot see us failing if it comes to the real crunch."

Brown dismissed suggestions that former Hearts striker Roman Bednar, who had been on loan to Leicester City from West Brom, was training with Tynecastle club.

"At one stage, we had 64 players, including youngsters," said Jim Jefferies' assistant. "We have plenty of options and we are not looking to bring anyone in.

"Big Kevin is a loss to us, but every time you get an injury, you can't just go and get another player.

"If we wanted a player, there would be no problem I think. The support we have had from the owner of the club has been magnificent.

"But we are not looking at that. I don't think Kevin will be out long. Who knows? He might be fit for Wednesday."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version