Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes has backed Marley Watkins to be the leader of a depleted attacking pack after the veteran was back on the scoresheet at the weekend.
The former Aberdeen and Barnsley man ended a 13-game drought in front of goal with the matchwinner against Dundee United.
That goal saw Killie jump two places into ninth in the Premiership and open up a seven point gap on St Johnstone at the foot of the table.
They now sit just three points off the top six with eight games remaining before the split as they eye a consistent run of form to propel them into the top half of the division.
And McInnes is hopeful the 34-year-old can get back to the form he showed last season with the striker’s presence all the more important, says the gaffer, given injuries to both Kyle Vassell and Innes Cameron.
The pair were both injured during the festive fixtures and have been ruled out until March at the earliest.
That’s led to McInnes having just three senior strikers at his disposal in recent weeks and requiring Watkins to be the one with a physical presence.
He said: “I’ve known wee Bruce (Anderson) for so long. He plays better with a physical striker.
“Bruce and Bobby (Wales) aren’t a great mix in terms of style. Both of them are looking for a partner who can play with a bit more strength.
“With no Vassell or Cameron, Marley has got to take that responsibility to be that more physical one for us right now. He’s a strong boy, he can take the hits.”
He added: “Bobby has been winning the fight to play alongside him at the moment and it’s been difficult for Bruce to watch from the sidelines but Marley is important for us.
“If he can find his form and find some more goals between now and the end of the season, he can be important for us in the run-in.
“We’re looking for everybody to find their form and step up really but the goal will do him no harm whatsoever and hopefully we can be a team that’s a wee bit more free-flowing in the next game.”
With Killie not in Scottish Cup action, it’s a weekend off before hosting St Johnstone on February 15.
McInnes said: “St Johnstone will be an interesting game. They’re going well and there will be a lot on it but we’ll be looking forward to it when it comes around.”
Don’t miss the latest Ayrshire headlines –sign up to our free daily newsletter