Hearts' injury situation is a "nightmare" for Robbie Neilson, according to Robert Snodgrass.
The former Scotland international has expressed his sympathy for the Jambos gaffer having to deal with having so many key players out of action.
The Tynecastle side's squad has been blighted by injuries throughout the campaign so far, with Craig Gordon the latest to sustain a long-term blow.
The No.1 suffered a double leg break against Dundee United at the weekend and will face around a year out on the sidelines.
The likes of Craig Halkett, Kye Rowles, Beni Baningime and Liam Boyce are all out or have spent lengthy spells out of the team as well.
It's proven to be a tricky situation to handle for Neilson.
And it's something Snodgrass doesn't envy.
He said: “Losing three key players like that is tough.
“It’s a manager’s worst nightmare where you’re constantly having to adapt and change formations, systems and personnel.
“It’s probably the most I’ve seen at any club I’ve been at. Football surprises you in many different ways. You just need to try and adapt and whoever comes in needs to be prepped and ready.”
Snodgrass is gutted for his former international teammate Gordon.
However, the 35-year-old is backing Zander Clark to fill his gloves in his absence.
“I’ve no worries about Zander,” he said. “Him and Ross Stewart are very good keepers. They’ve been pushing Craig all the way.
“That’s why Craig is as good as he is at the age he is, because he’s been pushed by two hungry lads. Paul Gallacher is a top goalie coach and he’ll have them prepped. It’s up to us as team-mates to help Zander as well.
“We want to build momentum. We want to get back-to-back wins under our belt, try and kick on and create that winning mentality that’s going to get us up the top of the table.
“We need to get this club winning football matches, that’s the biggest thing. It’s all about winning, whether you scrape a last-minute winner or win comfortably. Only when that happens will you see us up the top end of the table.
“First and foremost, we need to stop conceding goals. That will give us a chance to go and win matches.
“We’re conceding too many goals. To give yourself the best chance of winning, you’ve got to keep a clean sheet. Coming here as an older player, it’s about getting the lads’ mentality to switch so it’s all about winning matches.”
