Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes wants midfielder Jonny Hayes to provide the inspiration as the Dons continue to challenge on all three fronts.
The Irishman has been in sparkling form in 2014 and his form has not gone unnoticed by the support or the manager.
McInnes is delighted with the former Caley Thistle player and believes Hayes can go on to play a crucial role as the club tries to reach the Scottish Cup final, win the League Cup and claim a place in the Europa League.
He said: “Jonny put a great shift in against Celtic last week and he brought the crowd to its feet half a dozen times against St Johnstone on Saturday which was great to see. He is playing with a lot of confidence, there is a spark about him and he is great for us when we need to get down the other end of the pitch.”
McInnes believes fatigue was a factor in his side’s laboured win against St Johnstone on Saturday, but Hayes was a notable exception. The manager said: “There are some players in our squad who we know can keep giving us 90 minutes and have that freshness.
“Jonny is one of those players for us and he’s been in great form in recent weeks. Hopefully he can maintain it as the big games keep coming for us.
“We are going in the right direction and the players deserve the credit.
“Their attitude and application in every game has been terrific
“There is so much to be gained between now and May if we stick in and work hard.”
While Hayes continued his impressive form against the Perth Saints, the return of Ryan Jack added to the feelgood factor at Pittodrie by scoring the winner in his first appearance since suffering a hip injury in January.
Jack started in place of the rested Barry Robson and McInnes was pleased to see the player show no ill-effects from his injury-enforced absence.
He said: “In previous years Ryan has played a lot of games at right back and I can understand why as he is a safe player who uses the ball well.
“But he showed on Saturday he is big influence from central midfield and the hour he got against St Johnstone has done him the world of good.
“He has worked hard and has got his reward. Him coming back might also gives us a lift at the right time.”