Hearts manager Robbie Neilson has the sympathy of veteran midfielder Robert Snodgrass after the squad lost three players to injury in Christmas Eve’s 2-2 draw with Dundee United.
Defenders Craig Halkett and Stephen Kingsley had to be substituted but the focus was on the horrific double broken leg suffered by goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who will be absent for the remainder of the season.
Before the World Cup, Hearts were long without Halkett, Kye Rowles, Beni Baningime and Liam Boyce.
“Losing three key players is tough,” said Snodgrass ahead of Wednesday’s game at St Johnstone.
“It’s a manager’s worst nightmare when you have to constantly adapt and change formations, systems and personnel.
“It’s probably the most I’ve ever seen at a club. Football surprises you in many different ways. You just have to try to adapt and whoever comes has to be prepared and ready.”
While the former Leeds, West Ham and Aston Villa midfielder is “eviscerated” for Gordon, he is confident Zander Clark and Ross Stewart are capable substitutes for the 39-year-old Scottish goalkeeper.
“I’m not worried about zander,” he said. “He and Ross Stewart are very good goalkeepers. You pushed Craig all the way.
“That’s why Craig is as good as he is at his age, because he was pushed by two hungry lads. Paul Gallacher is a top goalkeeping coach and he will prepare them. It’s up to us as team-mates to help.” Zander too.”
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