Gary Locke, the Hearts manager, has confirmed his club will attempt to convince the Scottish Professional Football League to lift the transfer embargo placed on Hearts as a consequence of administration.

The club's administrators, BDO, will approach the league's governing body and request clemency, citing the impact the decision is having on the embattled young players left at the club.

A request was turned down at the turn of the year but BDO intend to make the plea again next week. Locke has backed their efforts since Danny Wilson, Kevin McHattie and Callum Tapping have all added to Hearts' fitness concerns.

"Our argument will be about the young lads who are having to play week in, week out," he said. "Some of them simply need a rest and we are worried about burnout."