John Souttar's professionalism has been praised by his Hearts team-mate Taylor Moore, who trusts him to deliver against Rangers.
The 24-year-old, who is on loan from Bristol City, has faith in his colleague to perform against his future club at the weekend.
Souttar will join the Light Blues in the summer, but efforts to fast-track that move in the January transfer window fell short.
It means he remains a Jam Tarts player for now and he continues to have the trust of his comrades on the park.
Moore said: "I think when you are actually around him day to day at the training ground you realise how professional he is.
"Even until the last minute of the last hour of deadline day, he was probably focused on Hearts.
"He is an amazing lad and I can’t speak highly enough of him. It is a situation that we are all in with him, so we are here to support him in any way or form.
"But I am sure that, as professional as he is, he will be fine."
Against Hibs, Moore played in that right of the back three slot usually taken up by Souttar, with new recruit Toby Sibbick in the heart of defence.
Craig Halkett is currently missing with a hamstring complaint but Moore insists their back-ups have proved they are up to it.
"We definitely have that strength in depth," he said.
"That is credit to the club, credit to the recruitment and the way they have handled this transfer window as well, getting the boys to sign contracts.
"Keeping a hold of John was a massive one. We have got a lot of good players in that dressing room.
"The gaffer always emphasises that when one steps out the other steps in."
