Osman Sow can help fire Dundee United back into the Premiership, according to his manager Robbie Neilson.
The 28-year-old former Hearts striker has made an underwhelming start to his Tannadice career since joining in January due to fitness problems.
He has yet to hit the back of the net for United but Sow finally looks ready to make a big impression on the promotion race.
United head up the A9 to play Inverness Caley Thistle on Saturday, by which time they could either be secured in second spot and preparing for the play-offs or have renewed hope of catching leaders Ross County.
That is because third-top Ayr United take on the Staggies at Somerset Park tomorrow night.
Whatever their fate, Neilson believes Sow will have a big say in the days and weeks ahead.
The United boss said: “He is a good player and it is a case of managing him through it.
“He has had calf problems and other injury issues but you can see he is a top player.
“He troubles defences because he has the size, pace and touch to do that.
“We just need to get him as fit as we can get him for the run-in.
“We do have some good strikers and I’d mention Paul McMullan, Pavol Safranko, Nicky Clark, Cammy Smith and Peter Pawlett in that category too.
“In the Championship, the thing can be that games are quite tight for 60 minutes and then everyone blows a gasket and it opens up.
“Therefore, if you have players to come on at that time then that can make a big difference.
“We need to try to keep them all fit.
“There will be times when Nicky and Pav will start and Osman will be on the bench and vice versa. It is about trying to make an impact.
“It is good to have that competition and players understand it is about the team winning, whether they start the game or come on.
“You look at Saturday up at Inverness and it might be the case that the strikers that start do all the hard work and run the defence ragged and tire them out.
“Then one of the others might come on for the last 30 minutes, score a goal and get all the glory.”
ICT played out a 2-2 draw against Morton in Greenock on Tuesday to all but secure their play-off place.
Neilson, an old Hearts colleague of Inverness gaffer John Robertson, is understandably wary of a side that knocked them out of the William Hill Scottish Cup last month thanks to a last-gasp winner.
Neilson said: “John has put together a very good team and if they can stay in injury and suspension free they will have a real chance of causing problems in the play-offs.
“I have known the wee man for a very long time.
“I was there at Hearts with him as a player, coach and manager. I know he will fancy his chances against us.
“They have guys who can play football like Liam Polworth, Aaron Doran, Tom Walsh and Joe Chalmers, who are physical but also can play football.
“It was so disappointing to lose to them in the cup because we lost a last-minute goal because of a bit of slackness at the back.
“To be honest, though, that match has been put to bed and it is about going up there and trying to win this game.”
