Tommy Wright believes the attacking talent he has at his disposal this season is the most varied in his time at St Johnstone.
Steven MacLean, John Sutton, Graham Cummins and Chris Kane will battle for starting places over the course of the 2015/16 campaign, with Michael O’Halloran another option through the middle.
Of that quintet, suspended MacLean is the only one unavailable for Sunday’s league opener against Hearts.
Wright said: “I have a team in my mind for Sunday and I’ve been working on a few things in training.
“I think we’ve got a strong squad and there’s real competition right across the pitch.
“Up front we have four strikers and when you add Michael O’Halloran who can also play up front or on the wing – that it makes five.
“So there’s a lot of different options there and we’ll try to find the right combination.
“But the challenge is there for them all, they have to hit form and do well.
“We have four or five strikers and it will be up to them to get into the team and stay there.
“I’d say it’s the first time I’ve really had options like that in the attacking part of the team.
“I’m happy with the options I have and people will have to play well to stay in the side.
“Nobody is guaranteed a place and that’s a good thing for the team.”
Wright believes O’Halloran’s raw pace will be a key factor for Saints again this term.
“I don’t think there’s anyone quicker than Michael in the league,” he pointed out.
“He did well last season in terms of goals and I think he’s got more in him this season.
“His pace can hurt teams so he gives me a great option whether it’s through the middle or out wide.”