Robbie Neilson believes Hearts have lost numbers but gained quality over the transfer window.
Seven new players arrived at Tynecastle over the summer while 17 left, although a number of those are on loan and will be back at some point.
An unbeaten start to the Premiership season backs up Neilson’s assertion, after three wins and a draw leaves the Jambos sitting in second place.
There could be another new face after talks took place with former Rangers wide man Barrie McKay, with Hearts keen to land the 26-year-old in order to boost their attacking options.
But, either way, Neilson is pleased with the business he and sporting director Joe Savage have managed to do.
“I'm really pleased with the players we have brought in,” he said.
“When I came in last summer we had to cut the squad down. We had to do that again this year but also bring the quality level up. I think we've managed to do that.”
Once this week’s international fixtures are out the way, there’s the small matter of the first Edinburgh derby of the season on Sunday.
Hibs head across the capital as league leaders just ahead of their rivals on goal difference.
Neilson will welcome Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon and Northern Ireland defender Michael Smith back to training later in the week and revealed how he plans to ensure everyone is sharp for derby day.
“We are keeping players ticking over,” he told the Edinburgh Evening News.
“We might do a wee bounce game between ourselves to keep that sharpness there. We have an extra day to prepare with the game being on the Sunday, which is helpful when you have international players to come back.”
