Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara believes competition for places is key in his first full season in charge of the Tangerines.
There were more than a few eyebrows raised at Firhill on Friday night when it was revealed John Rankin and Gary Mackay-Steven would start the game on the bench.
McNamara insisted it just goes to show how strong a squad he now has at his disposal.
McNamara said: “It’s important we’ve got that competition for places. The players know that.
“I thought it was balanced nicely for GMS to come on when he did in the second half at Thistle. The start of the game might not have been right for him but when he came on he made a difference.
“He made the kind of impact we were looking for and with the game stretched, he made some good crosses and gave them a few problems. Big Brian Graham also came on and had a couple of chances
“We’ve got some good options which is what every manager wants.”
Another of those options, Gavin Gunning, is edging his way back to full fitness and McNamara believes it will be like having a new player when the centre-half does so.
The manager said: “Gavin is coming along nicely. He’ll get another 90 minutes in the Under-20 game against Celtic tomorrow which will help him even more.
“I’ve only had him for the one game which was against Rangers in the Scottish Cup when I first came here. He was excellent that day and it will be like a new signing when we get him fully fit again, as we rate him very highly.”