Caley Thistle manager John Hughes has challenged the players on the fringes of his squad to take advantage of any opportunities they may be handed.
Inverness have been stretched to the bare bones lately, with Hughes naming only five substitutes in the last two matches.
Caley Jags take on Dundee today, with midfielder Ross Draper likely to miss out through an ankle injury and leading scorer Miles Storey doubtful after picking up a knock in the latter stages of Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat by Highland rivals Ross County in the quarter-finals of the League Cup.
Hughes says his back-up players must be ready to step up to the mark.
“Through this adversity, much like it was last year, we’re asking guys to come through,” said Hughes.
“We had Danny Williams and Ryan Christie do it last year and they’re regulars.
“We were wanting to start Danny the other night but looking at the bench, you’ve not got a dynamic player on there. Danny can play a number of positions and it might sound strange, but you can bring him on and he can light the game up.
“We’re looking at Liam Polworth, Danny Devine and Nat Wedderburn to do that now. When everyone is back fit, I want to be able to say these guys have done really well. One or two of them are not doing too badly.
“I’d like to see Liam express himself more and bring a bit more personality to the game. In terms of getting on the ball and passing it, he’s as good as anyone we’ve got at the club.
“Young Ali Sutherland has found himself on the bench and not done himself any harm. At this time, I still see him as a substitute but, if needs must, I don’t think he would let us down.”
Hughes has called on his side to end their recent streak of poor form, which has seen them lose their last three games on the trot.
He added: “There’s just a bit of tension and trepidation.
“I expect to win the game though. We’re playing against a Dundee team that has recruited very well and want to get that European spot.
“They’ve got some good players in their team and we have to be ready to go.”