Dunfermline boss Jim Jefferies is convinced the experienced players brought to East End Park last month will bolster their promotion bid if they secure a play-off place as expected.
Jefferies was disappointed to see his side dumped out of the Scottish Cup on Friday night as a Dean Shiels hat-trick helped Rangers to a comfortable 4-0 win at Ibrox.
However, the Pars manager has always insisted the league campaign and at least giving themselves a chance at playing Championship football next season remains the priority.
New signings Danny Grainger and Ross Forbes made an instant impact when they played against East Fife, and although they were cup-tied alongside new defender Jonathan Page at Ibrox, Jefferies believes the fact all three have played at a higher level will help their cause in the coming weeks.
“We were hoping to go and make a name for ourselves and cause a shock against Rangers, but it wasn’t to be,” he said. “But our cup finals are all about qualifying for a play-off place and then gearing ourselves up to the play-off matches.
“These boys that I brought in last week will help these young kids get through these games, I am quite sure of it.
“The experienced players we brought in last week is what this squad needs.
“You saw the difference last Saturday, we looked a different team, and all these boys have done fantastic to get us where we are, but they need a wee bit of help now and they will get that.”
The Pars, who are eight points clear of third-placed Ayr in the table, are now focusing on a tricky trip up to Forfar this weekend a place they went down to a hugely disappointing 4-0 defeat earlier in the season.
Indeed, Jefferies’ men are yet to get the better of Dick Campbell’s side after the teams drew 1-1 at East End in December.