Hearts boss Paulo Sergio today admitted he can't wait to see the closure of this month's transfer widow.

With a number of first team regulars being linked with moves away from Tynecastle in the coming weeks, the Jambos manager is counting down the days to February.

Speaking at today's pre-match press conference ahead of the visit of St Mirren on Saturday, the Portuguese said: "January is going to be a very hard month for me as one morning I could wake up and have lost one, two or three players. Or maybe I do not lose anyone before the end of the month.

"It is not something I can control so I should not be worried about it. I am just worried about the things I can control.

"I am counting the days because every single day in the newspapers there are clubs' managers signing players to make them stronger."

When asked if he felt the need to sell players this month, he added: "This is for the directors. In football as in life, everyone has their price. If we have good propositions, both sets of directors will make a deal. From what I read in the newspapers a lot of people are interested in our players."

Meanwhile, Danny Grainger is out of Saturday's game with a groin injury and Ryan McGowan is suspended, although Darren Barr should be fit.

"We have a big problem in the full-back area now for Saturday," said Paulo, "so we will see. St Mirren play quality football and have good players so we will have to work hard to beat them."

On HeartsTV today, Paulo Sergio's press conference IN FULL from Riccarton, plus Marian Kello on his future ahead of St Mirren visit.