Hearts explain lack of minutes for much-hyped signings and update on Beni Baningime situation

Uganda forward Mato and Kazakhstan winger Chesnokov have been restricted to just one substitute appearance each since arriving in January, while Brazilian midfielder Ageu is yet to start a game after being hindered by hamstring issues since becoming the club’s record signing in the summer.

“I get the clamour for these players to be involved because nobody is more excited when we sign players than a manager who wants to bring in players who are ready,” said McInnes, whose table-topping side suffered their third William Hill Premiership defeat of the season at St Mirren on Tuesday.

“But the truth of the matter is they’re not ready and we’re trying hard to get them ready.

“When you sign players in a transfer window when their league finishes in November (Chesnokov), it’s difficult to get them up to speed. Scottish football in particular is that bit more intense.

“Managers want, as soon as they make signings, they want their signings to make that impact, but I’ve got to be fair to these boys as well.

“Ageu’s had about two weeks’ training and about seven months injured, so all of a sudden, because you lose a game, it doesn’t mean to say ‘you’re in’, and that’s the answer.

“We want these players fit, they’re signed for a reason, and hopefully they can have a positive influence on the team between now and the end of the season, and I’ve no doubts that they will.”

Beni Baningime’s Hearts contract expires this summer, and McInnes indicated he would be keen to extend the midfielder’s deal.

“Beni knows how I feel about him,” said the manager. “Beni’s a player who has, I think over a period of time at Hearts, been good, but in my time at Hearts, I’ve been really enjoying working with him and he’s got a big part to play.

“I believe that there are conversations being had between the club and Beni’s representatives.”

Hearts are three points clear of Rangers at the top of the table and McInnes is hoping they can capitalise on the fact they have three home games, against city rivals Hibernian, Falkirk and Aberdeen, before the end of February as they bid to “get back to winning ways”.

“We’ve got 13 cup finals,” he said. “We’ve got three home games out of the next four, we’ve got some really good fixtures coming up – tough at the same time, but really good fixtures for us to go and show our strengths and hopefully get results.”