Raith boss Ray McKinnon believes the awarding of contract extensions to Kyle Benedictus and Lewis Toshney should act as an incentive to the rest of his squad to give even more in games.
The defensive duo signed new deals committing themselves to the Kirkcaldy club until 2017 on Wednesday.
The players’ performances this season had already been attracting envious glances from other sides and the manager was delighted to deflect that attention and tie them down.
Now, he hopes other players will take heed and believe that they too could secure an extended stay at Stark’s Park.
McKinnon said: “There are two or three we would like to get speaking to. This week is great because it shows there are contracts there. It’s dog eat dog in the Championship and everyone is looking for security. Boys have mortgages and whatever.
“They are giving me everything but there is a chance to point at Benny and Tosher and say, if you give an extra five per cent there is the bonus of a new contract there.
“We are trying to put the basis of a good squad there for next season.”
McKinnon is also looking to bolster his squad, especially in the forward areas following the departure of on-loan Dundee striker Craig Wighton while Jon Daly will hang up his boots after tomorrow’s game against Hibs.
The Stark’s boss is currently running the rule over former Hamilton front man Joel Thomas and he is awaiting news on an offer for a loan player.
McKinnon added: “Joel’s girlfriend lives in Kirkcaldy so he has come in and has looked OK but I’d like to see him in a game.
“We are looking at other players and we have an offer in for a striker to come in on loan and there is another we have almost agreed terms with. We are busy, but it’s difficult.”
Daly will play against Hibs before moving to a youth coaching role at Hearts and McKinnon believes it is written in the stars that the Irishman will score the winner in the Scottish Cup tie.
The manager said: “The big man will score against Hibs, just before going to Hearts it’s a certainty!
“He’ll end up getting the winner.
“Nobody can argue with Jon’s career. He’s done well wherever he’s been and is a model professional. At 32, he has trained fantastically, been superb in the dressing-room and helped the young boys at this club immensely.
“I can understand why Craig Levein wants to take him to Hearts because he will be fantastic for the 20s.
“I worked with him on his B license and saw the dedication he put into his coaching badges. I’m sure he will be just as successful as a coach as he was as a player because he has that drive and dedication you need. He’s a top boy and it has been an absolute pleasure to work with him.”