If Heart of Midlothian turn their one-point advantage at the top of the Scottish Premiership into their first title win in 66 years, to complete a memorable season, they will have done so without having had a settled right side this season.
Whether it be injuries, balance or personnel, Derek McInnes has often had to find solutions.
Right-back is a position which has not had a regular holder, the way most of the other roles have. Whether it is Harry Milne on the left of defence, Stuart Findlay and Craig Halkett in the middle, Cammy Devlin in midfield, Alexandros Kyziridis on the left and Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland in attack.
McInnes has often preferred Oisin McEntee when available. The Irishman has played the position more than anyone else this season. Then it has been Michael Steinwender, while Christian Borchgrevink, Alan Forrest and Alexandros Kyziridis have all had stints at full-back or wing-back. Jordi Altena was added as another option in January and has started in the position three times.
An option other than McEntee will be required between now and the end of the season after he was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign. A scan discovered a tear in his hamstring after he was replaced late in the 3-1 win over Motherwell.
There are two obvious candidates: Steinwender and Altena.
One is a centre-back and the other a recent convert to the full-back position.
As to who takes on the role for the final five games, there is every chance it will be a bit of both.
McInnes has been "really pleased" with Altena and his progress and attitude since signing from Dutch second-tier side RKC Waalwijk and told Hearts Standard this month that his "qualities can give us something over the run-in".
The 22-year-old, as well as starting games at right-back, has been used at wing-back on both sides, the centre of the pitch and as a right midfielder or advanced No.8 in the win over Dundee.
It is in keeping with his career.
He arrived at Hearts having played around six months at right-back. He had originally been signed by his former club as an option on the left wing or a No.10. He has played a host of roles, six or seven, during his time with Vitesse, then dropping into the Dutch third tier before earning his move to RKC in the second tier and then onto Hearts.
“He’s such a good kid, he's totally understanding, he totally got the role we asked him to play against Dundee. He actually thought himself it really suited him when we explained it and how we wanted him to work it," McInnes said.
"I've been really pleased with him. He's played a lot of different positions in his short career.
"We're trying to find the best solution from where he's at at this stage in his career. We see so many qualities in him going forward. He's got good ideas, he's got good technical ability, he's got good composure on the ball."
Altena was signed to play right-back and wing-back, with the understanding that while he there is so much to like about his game with the ball, notably his willingness to play forward, there would be an adjustment with defensive areas to improve on, something noted by his former coach Sander Duits when he spoke to Hearts Standard.
Just as at RKC, injuries may see him get that opportunity, one that fans have been eager for. Whether it comes at right-back or wing-back, from the start or off the bench, he will have a role to play in the run-in.
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"The reason we brought him to the club, the reason we're so excited to work with him, not only this season but going forward, once he's had that adjustment, is because we do think he possesses that quality," McInnes said.
"The good thing for us is he recognises the things that he needs to improve on. I think we've already seen those little improvements that he's going to need to be a more rounded player."
He added: "We're glad he's a Hearts player. I think over the period of time he's going to beat Hearts, he's going to show a lot of those qualities."
That may well come on Sunday in the Edinburgh derby. In such a game, it wouldn't be surprising to see Hearts line up with a back three and that could open up the wing-back role for Altena. Not only would he provide solidity further up the pitch, plus positivity going forward, he is adept at moving in the pitch and could give another body in there to win the battle.
Team selection is all about balance and no doubt McInnes would be more comfortable with Altena as an out-and-out full-back if an Oisin McEntee or Tomas Magnusson were ahead of him. Equally, Alexandros Kyziridis and Islam Chesnokov could provide protection and balance in such cases.
It is understandable that fans have been really keen for Altena, signed as a right-back, to play right-back. Equally, it is important to consider balance and where Hearts are in the league and the season. One selection in one area can have a knock-on effect elsewhere.
When McInnes has opted for Steinwender, he has done so due to his defensive attributes, the size, presence, pace and going one v one with a winger.
Some of the criticism of Steinwender has been over the top. The Austrian, like the rest of the team, had a tough time at Easter Road in the opening stages last time around, but, by and large, has been a solid presence, out of position, it should be noted, at right-back and will be needed in such a role between now and the end of the season.
The five games coming up will provide their own challenges. Some may require an adept one v one defender and others may require a more attack-minded option. Some games may require both at different stages.
It is an area which has required solutions throughout the season. That will be the case in the final five games. Both Steinwender's and Altena's qualities will be needed.
