Malky Mackay insists players who find themselves out of his Ross County side at present still have a major role to play.
Mackay bolstered his squad in January with five new additions, predominantly in attacking positions.
Eamonn Brophy has netted three goals from his opening four matches following his loan switch from St Mirren, while Josh Stones and Gwion Edwards have also arrived on temporary deals from Wigan Athletic.
Simon Murray, who netted 18 goals for Championship leaders Queen’s Park earlier this term, was Mackay’s only permanent signing, with Hibernian midfielder Nohan Kenneh also drafted in on loan.
Mackay says the addition of fresh options in the final third is already having a beneficial effect on the likes of Alex Samuel and Josh Sims, who impressed as late substitutes in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Dundee United.
The Staggies boss said: “We have got more competition for places. It means people are having to up their game, who were already here and playing every week.
“That makes a difference, it puts everyone on their toes.
“That’s the measure of what a squad is going to look like – when you can get the boys coming off the bench to actually change it.
“There was a wee period before Christmas when that wasn’t quite the case.
“Simon Murray is desperate to score, and we saw in the last minute the goalkeeper having to make the save from him.
“Alex Samuel has really made a contribution since he came back from his knee operation. I’m so happy for him.
“Josh Sims has been getting better and better, and in that last 15 minutes he found himself in fantastic positions. He has got a lot to contribute to the club.
“It also allowed me to get young Dylan Smith another 10 minutes. It’s important we keep bleeding him in, because he’s going to have a big future for the club.”
Style more important than system for Mackay
In recent matches, Mackay has shown the adaptability of his squad by alternating between a three and four-man backline.
Mackay insists the style of play is of more importance than the formation he picks.
He added: “It’s something we can get caught up in as football coaches talking to each other, in terms of what system we play.
“Systems are five yards apart from each other. It’s about the style you play.
“What we’ve got at the moment is trying to get as many on the pitch that have got experience, are comfortable on the ball, and have various strings to their bow.
“The way we are playing at the moment is allowing two or three of those to shine and be at their best. I think that makes a big difference in the positions they are in.”
Staggies boss looking for conviction from his side
Mackay insists he has also urged his players to be instinctive in their decision-making, with the Staggies boss looking for his side to carry last weekend’s performance into Saturday’s Premiership visit of Motherwell to Victoria Park.
Mackay added: “If you make a mistake, you make a mistake. But I asked them whatever they do, do it with conviction.
“I didn’t want them to hesitate – don’t maybe do it, and then do something else.
“The first thing you think about is usually the right thing. If they have the conviction to do that they are not going to hear any criticism from me.
“Invariably it’s when they’re going off plan I will give them a kind word or two from the side of the pitch.
“The lads really showed that conviction at the weekend, and the willingness to look as if they were really playing for each other.
“At this time in the season, I’m delighted about that with 11 games to go.”
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