Hearts defender Brad McKay believes the fresh-faced Tynecastle squad's familiarity with each other can breed success.

The centre-half, 20, has been given the responsibility of replacing former defensive linchpins Andy Webster and Marius Zaliukas after the pair quit the Gorgie club following its descent into administration.

The financial crisis has left boss Gary Locke to work with just three players older than the squad average age of 22 - goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald and Jamie Hamill and Ryan Stevenson.

But McKay believes the bond among the youngsters in the Gorgie squad formed during their formative years can help.

He said: "The fact we have trained and come through together for a good few years now really adds to the bond in the team.

"There's not many of the boys who have come in late, so we've been together for three or four years - some have been here even longer.

"It's a great feeling playing with all the boys that you know well and with the fans behind us."

Hearts lost 11 members of their squad from last year this summer as administrators BDO took control of the Tynecastle purse strings.

But McKay is just grateful those leaving gave him the chance to play for the first-team.

"I feel fortunate to have been given my chance at such a young age," he said. "I've said this to a couple of my mates and family members, it takes a bit of luck to get your chance.

"It might be injuries or in my case, I've needed a bit more luck because Hearts are a big club. I've needed people to lose their job for me to get my chance.

"But I'm a big Hearts fan and I'll take my chance any way, any how.

"With all the young boys being in the squad, it is helpful that I'm not the only youngster. I'm not the only one with all the eyes on me. Everyone is looking out for each other, as the fans are.

"A lot of people have doubted Hearts because we are so young and the situation we are in.

"But I think we have done great so far and the fans have been absolutely magnificent. Home and away. The away games feel like a home game because they out-sing the home support.

"I'm a big believer they can be a 12th man for us. A lot of people are turning up to see Hearts."