Hearts captain Christophe Berra insists the team would survive without sought-after striker Andrius Velicka.
Norwegian outfit Viking Stavanger are reportedly trying to prise the on-loan FBK Kaunas marksman away from Tynecastle prior to the closure of their transfer window on April 1.
The Lithuanian international is Hearts' leading goalscorer this season having found the net 14 times to keep their European hopes alive.
Even though the 28 year-old has proved his worth in front of goal, defender Berra, who is preparing for Wednesday's visit of Rangers, insists they have players in the squad that are capable of filling his boots.
He said: "If he does end up going it's an opportunity for the other strikers at the club.
"As you saw in Saturday's win over Motherwell, I think Christian Nade and Calum Elliot did well and they were unlucky not to get a couple of goals between them.
"We have got the quality players in the squad to replace him.
"If you're at Man United and (Cristiano) Ronaldo, who is the top scorer, left it might be a loss.
"But as someone exits, someone else can come in and take on that mantle. It will dangle a little carrot to the other strikers so that they can step up their game."
Berra is tipped for future Scotland recognition following a series of steady displays at the back this term but he insists guiding Hearts up the table remains his priority.
He said: "If I got the call I would be over the moon but first and foremost I have got to concentrate on playing well for Hearts.
"We have another game on Wednesday evening and I have got to go out again and be consistent.
"If I keep on doing that you never know. If it does not happen, I just need to keep going out on the training ground and improving and learning as a player."
Berra revealed Rangers defender David Weir is a player he looks up to as he aims to better himself.
He added: "Everybody knows how good a player Davie Weir is, I know he is getting older now but he is keeping his performances up to a very high standard.
"You can only learn from these types of players. I watch him if he's playing in games on the television and I will look at his games and see if I can learn things from him, not just from him but players in the Premier League."
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