Ross County midfielder Michael Gardyne will miss next Saturday’s match against Dundee United under the terms of his loan agreement.
The former Celtic player scored one and set up another in County’s 2-1 win against Kilmarnock last weekend.
That kind of electric form could be missed at Tannadice in eight days’ time, where the stakes are huge for the Highlanders, now unbeaten in six with a streak of five wins and a draw.
County manager Jim McIntyre stressed it was a case of opportunity knocks for others on the first team fringes.
He said: “Michael is enjoying a purple patch. He’s been chipping in with goals and assists and also been a threat to the opposition. There’s no doubt he will be a miss.
“But the week previous we went to Hamilton and had to do without Jackson Irvine and Liam Boyce, so we will adjust.
“Filip Kiss filled in for Marcus Fraser at right back last weekend and did exceptionally well. The players on the sidelines are champing at the bit to get involved, especially when we’re on such a good run. That bodes well.”
McIntyre wants more of the same, with a little extra cutting edge from his team as they prepare for Tannadice.
He said: “We’re definitely coming into the business end of the season and know exactly what’s at stake. It’s a crucial time.
“We’ll take it one game at a time. What we’ve been doing has worked for us recently, so it’s important we remain focused on the next match.
“We have a very difficult game at Dundee United, who have had a really tough period themselves. They will be desperate to get back to winning ways.
“There’s always more to come from the team, though. Looking back to Saturday’s win against Kilmarnock, we should have scored more goals. That’s an area in which we can do better.
“We’re not going to get it from the players every single week – there will be days when the quality isn’t quite there.”
Midfielder Rocco Quinn picked up a minor strain during training, but remains on course for his return to full availability.
Captain Richie Brittain played 70 minutes of a Development League game at Heriot-Watt University against Hearts during the week, while young defender Ben Frempah managed 40 minutes in the same match.