DEL'S DEALS SUMMIT AS CRISIS HITS

DEREK MCINNES is set to hold talks with Hearts sporting director Graeme Jones over accelerating transfer plans after the club's injury crisis ramped up another notch last night.

- BY ROBBIE COPELAND

The title-chasers are sweating on the fitness of skipper Lawrence Shankland (above) for the crucial match with Celtic in six days' time after he went off in extra time during their Scottish Cup exit against Falkirk.

Beni Baningime, banned for the next two league games, also went off with a hamstring injury and Cammy Devlin isn't expected back for six to eight weeks.

That takes the total injury list up to eight and McInnes admitted midfielder Sander Kartum may not have been loaned out to A-League side Wellington Phoenix had he known what was about to come.

And the boss revealed he is all set to hold talks with chief Jones about strengthening the squad this month.

When asked if there are plans to ramp up their January business, McInnes (below) said: "Possibly, yes.

"I've spoken to the board. I'll speak to Graeme Jones again and see where we are.