Bohemians boss Declan Devine insists he has "absolute trust" in his players as the surprise early season pace-setters face their biggest tests yet.
Bohs face reigning champs Shamrock Rovers at Dalymount Park tonight before making the daunting trip to in-form Derry City on Easter Monday.
But ex-Derry supremo Devine is confident of what his team can achieve after winning six of their opening seven games.
READ MORE: Doubts over Bohs future dispelled for Ali Coote by timely Declan Devine call
"I have absolute trust in our players," he stated. "Talking about being top of the league and winning leagues is of no interest to me, to be honest.
"I trust in my players and I think we will get better. I think we have a lot of talent and we've players who have yet to play this year who will have a big role in the team."
It is a big turnaround from last season for the Gypsies, who lost a number of senior players ahead of the campaign and the momentum built over the previous two years shuddered to a halt.
Keith Long departed before the end of the season and Devine succeeded him before Christmas.
"Nothing surprises me with these players because I've seen it from the day dot," said Devine.
"I thought our recruitment was spot on. We brought in players with good experience, but also with a real technical ability.
"There were also very good players already here. you look at Afolabi, look at Ali Coote.
"Ali Coote, for me, has been the best player in the league over the course of the last six or seven weeks.
"I think he's just been sensational. I think he's grown in his swagger and the way he plays. His stats are magnificent. His work ethic is magnificent.
"I look at (Jonathan) Afolabi and the way he plays in that role as a striker, his ability to work centre-backs and run in behind, I think has been a huge component for us as well.
"On the other side of the pitch, having people like James Talbot back has been a huge addition to us as well.
"So no, nothing surprises me with this group. I back them in every game. There is nothing for them to fear other than complacency and knowing that we can't drop our standards at any stage."
Tonight's clash is a 4,400 sell-out and will be shown live on Virgin Media.
"I think the league is in a brilliant position," Devine said.
"I've been about it long enough to understand empty stadiums with 1,500, 1,200 here and there and when it was very difficult to shift matchday tickets. So it's in a brilliant position at the minute.
"I think the levels have gone up again. You only have to see the competition between teams. There are a lot of good teams in the league this year.
"Before you tended to see two or three good teams, another group of mid-table teams and then a group that was going to fall into the relegation play-off.
"You don't see that this year. Everybody is capable of beating each other.
"I think the fact that Covid kicked in, people were starved of football while the quality has really improved.
"It's fantastic that another channel is starting to show football again.
"The LOITV has helped to get it out there. I speak to people in text messages who are watching from all over the world. People in America are sending me messages who watch games.
"Again, it's raising the standards and making sure that we continue to grow the league.
"The actual performances of the teams doesn't get the credit it deserves. There is a lot of good football played in our league. A lot of technical play."
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