DONS boss Derek McInnes today insisted his entire squad will be vital in the second half of the season.
McInnes has fielded virtually an unchanged starting 11 during a six-game winning run that has elevated the Dons to the top of the Premiership table.
However, he claimed those players battling to force their way into the starting line-up will be called upon.
That will include teenage goal hero Cammy Smith who came off the bench to score with an injury-time strike in the 2-0 win over St Johnstone at Pittodrie.
McInnes, whose side are set to face Motherwell away tomorrow, said: “Sometimes it can be difficult when you are a squad player and the team keeps winning and has more or less picked itself during the recent run.
“As pleasing as that is, it means some players can feel further away from the team which can be difficult mentally.
“So it is important that we recognise the squad players and that they all contribute.
“Cammy Smith, Lawrence Shankland and Jeffrey Monakana all came on against St Johnstone and gave us something.
“They all played their part getting us over the line.
“Young Craig Murray started against Inverness Caley Thistle and did well.”
Dons boss McInnes is locked in talks about the possibility of extending Monakana’s loan deal from Brighton.
Monakana’s initial deal expires on Monday.
The uncertainty at Brighton had clouded the issue, as Sami Hyypia resigned as manager of the Championship strugglers on December 22.
Brighton have subsequently appointed former Norwich boss Chris Hughton as manager on a three-and-a-half year deal.
Meanwhile, McInnes today insisted netting a first senior goal at Pittodrie was teenage attacker Smith’s reward for excelling with the U20s.
Smith came off the bench to net deep into injury time to complete a swift counter-attack.
“The goal against St Johnstone was Cammy’s first at Pittodrie for the first team so it was special for him,” said McInnes. “Cammy is a die-hard Aberdeen fan so he was delighted to score that goal.
“Having watched it again it was a difficult chance. I am delighted for Cammy because he has been in good form for the U20s.”