Manager Jim Jefferies believes Hearts might have had a greater say in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title race this season had they not suffered injuries to crucial players.
As Hearts prepare to face title-chasing Rangers and Celtic in successive games, Jefferies wondered what might have been had the likes of Kevin Kyle, who has not played since January 11, been fit for the whole campaign.
Jefferies, whose side are 21 points behind leaders Rangers ahead of their match at Ibrox on Saturday, said: "If we hadn't had the injuries to the key players, we wouldn't be talking about third place now - there was a good optimism that we could challenge."
He added: "We got close and it was at the time we lost these players that it fell away.
"I'm sure we would've clinched it (third place) long before now and been a lot closer to them (the Old Firm).
"I'm not saying we would've split them or won it, but we would've been a lot closer."
Celtic lost at Inverness on Wednesday night to relinquish the title initiative to their Old Firm rivals, but Jefferies knows his Hearts side could have a say in the destination of the SPL trophy, with the trip to Ibrox followed next Wednesday by the Bhoys visiting Tynecastle.
Hearts have their own agenda too and are seeking to claim third place in the table ahead of Dundee United, a side they meet in the final game of the season on May 15.
Jefferies said: "If we do get a result on Saturday I hope we can match it on Wednesday or there will be all these conspiracy theories.
"We can assure both clubs - and if it goes to Dundee United - that we'll be trying hard to get as many points as we can. We'll be making it as difficult for them both as possible."
Source: PA
