The Gorgie club have been forced to rely on talented teens such as Fraser Mullen and Callum Tapping this term following the departure of established first-team regulars like Ryan McGowan and Andy Driver in January.
But Locke - who has taken over the reins on a temporary basis following John McGlynn's sacking - decided to bring back some of his older recruits for the midweek trip to St Johnstone following five straight Clydesdale Bank Premier League defeats.
And his decision was justified as they left Perth with a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Ryan Stevenson and John Sutton.
Now he has told his fresh-faced recruits no to worry if they do not feature at Easter Road as they look to pick up their first victory against Hibernian this season.
He said: "We've put the experienced lads back in the team because we just felt that, the run we were on, a bit of experience would help.
"I always felt when I was a youngster that having the older lads there helped.
"The younger lads have been brilliant and that's the reason why I think this club has a massive future. Next season I think they will be even better."
Hearts had conceded 13 goals in the five league games leading to their match at McDiarmid Park, but left the Fair City clutching three points and a clean sheet.
And Locke believes that will do wonders for the squad's sagging morale.
He said: "The other night, after everything we have tried to work on and achieve, we got the best out of everyone and actually got a clean sheet.
"That helps the defence's confidence levels. We scored a couple of goals which will help the strikers too.
"Sutts got a goal and big Michael Ngoo was unlucky not to score too, but played really well. On top of that, the midfield four were fantastic. It was a great victory so we are going into the derby in a lot better frame of mind."
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