Bold boss Jackie McNamara is prepared to freshen up his Dundee United team despite having just seen them destroy St Johnstone.
The Tannadice gaffer was delighted with the display of his players as they romped home 4-0 in the Premiership on Saturday.
However, that will not stop him shuffling his pack when United head to Dumbarton on Wednesday night for the Scottish Communities Cup second-round clash against the Sons.
He revealed: “I think there will be a few changes for Wednesday’s cup tie. That is why we build a squad. We can’t rely on the same 11 guys each week.
“Those who come into the team will be able to do a good job. It happened at the weekend, when Gavin Gunning was out through suspension and Keith Watson came in and did very well. Keith scored a good early goal and never looked back.
“Also, on the first day of the season at Partick Thistle we didn’t start Gary Mackay-Steven but he came on as a sub and made a good impact.
“So it’s about the squad and I want the players to push each other at every opportunity. It’s not a case of what they did last year or four weeks ago. It’s about now and doing what they are good at when they play.”
McNamara’s team came within a whisker of getting to the Scottish Cup final last season, just being pipped 4-3 by eventual winners Celtic.
So he knows just how much success in one of the knockout tournaments can enhance a club’s season.
McNamara said: “A cup run would be massive for us. We got to the semi-final of the Scottish Cup towards the end of last season.
“We fell just short that day, which was hard on the lads. So it would be good to go as far as we can in this cup too.
“We want to do well in anything we’re involved in. I think it’s very important for all of us at the club. “
The United gaffer was understandably met by a lot of smiling faces as his players reported for Monday’s training.
He said: “That result made for a far better weekend all round. Obviously, when you win it makes everyone much happier.
“It wasn’t just one or two guys who played well it was the whole team. I thought it was a good confidence-booster for us.
“I watched the game back on Sunday. I think there are still some things we can do better, like passing.
“There were certain other things but the bottom line is, I know what they can do, so it’s just a case of getting them to go out there and do it.
“We showed we can pass and move the ball. That’s what I want to see from us.”
United had the Sons watched as they beat Morton on Saturday and they know they won’t get it easy.
“We have to show the same application and desire as we did at the weekend,” said McNamara. “Dumbarton will be confident after a good result.
“It’s a funny little ground to go to but we’ll be well prepared for it.”