Neil Critchley's priority is to win games in the here and now for Heart of Midlothian as the club looks to not only move up the Scottish Premiership table away from the relegation zone but also make progress in Europe.

At the same time, the Hearts head coach is carrying out his own audit on the squad and football department, a process that is "going to be ongoing".

That audit includes areas on the pitch that need to improve and the make-up of the squad, both in terms of numbers, balance, and specific qualities. 

Andrew McKinlay revealed recently that one transfer target has already been identified. 

Critchley was not keen to discuss specifics but did confirm that he has been involved in conversations around the upcoming window.

"I'm not going to go into that right now because I've only been here a matter of weeks and I'm still assessing and learning about the players that are right in front of me right now," he said.

"My sole focus is on trying to help these players to improve and get better. They're a good group of people and sometimes things just don't go your way. What we can't do is feel down about that.

"There's only us who can show what we're about, show our character and it's on us as a group to respond and show fight, spirit, show what we're about as people."

He added: "I've said from the very first interview I had, is to get time you need to make sure you get the results in the short term.

"There are certain aspects of our performances that we need to do better at and eradicate from our game if I am to get that time."

Critchley did admit that conversations will "become more frequent" once Graeme Jones is in position as sporting director after the international break.

"We've had some conversations," he confirmed. "That's normal I think for the manager and recruitment and the people around you to have those discussions. 

"Obviously when Graeme joins at the back end of the month as well, I'm sure those conversations will become more frequent as we look towards January and what we want to try and do."

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One of the regular topics Critchley has been asked about during press conferences, both pre and post-match, has been leaving players out of the squad. Liam Boyce, Macaulay Tait, Andres Salazar, and Musa Drammeh have all been absent from playing squads.

The head coach has admitted it has been difficult but it is a part of the job, especially when there is a sizeable squad of first-team players.

Critchley wouldn't put an exact figure on the specific number he would like in the squad but is aware that it is probably too big.

"I think you're always looking for two players in every position but you also want to have the balance right," he explained. "You've got to get the balance right of youth, established players, experienced players, providing an opportunity for your young players if they're good enough and to know that they've got the opportunity to have the pathway through to the first team.

"It doesn't need a rocket scientist to work out we've got quite a big squad in terms of numbers at this moment in time. But that might be for further down the line, not right now."