Declan Devine says that the presence of injured talisman Keith Buckley on the bench has been priceless in Bohemians' rise.
Buckley rejoined his beloved Gypsies after a year in Australia but tore his calf a month ago against Drogheda United.
Boss Devine rates the versatile 30-year-old as "touch and go" to make Friday's big Dublin derby with bitter rivals Shamrock Rovers, the reigning champions, at Dalymount Park.
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His absence on the field hasn't stopped Bohs from setting the early pace at the top of the Premier Division - but Devine has praised 'Bucko' for playing such an influential role in the background as his side have won six of their opening seven games.
"Keith Buckley has been missing out of the changing room for Bohs for over a year and, when you're allowed nine subs, you sacrifice one for Keith Buckley to have an involvement," stated Devine.
"That's been very beneficial for us in the last few weeks, freeing up a space on the subs' bench for his impact and his input around the team, leading into the game.
"If Keith Buckley's fit, Keith Buckley will be involved, absolutely. But Bucko being Bucko, we decided it would be very beneficial to have him around the group on match night.
"His leadership, togetherness and respect within the group I think has been a huge factor in how we've started the season."
Buckley, who played over 300 times for Bohs before going Down Under, was Devine's first signing when he succeeded Keith Long as manager and was immediately handed the captaincy.
The pair spoke about the role Buckley could play in the squad while out injured and Devine regards the Dubliner's impact and involvement as "hugely beneficial" in terms of how he talks to young players leading into games and in the dug-out.
Devine added: "A big factor in us doing well is the togetherness in the group and Keith Buckley brings that in spades.
"To have his leadership and qualities - not only as a player, but his calmness in his approach to games and his experience in terms of having played at the highest level here in the club, how he has helped a relatively new group settle - has been a key component in how we've started the season."
For his part, Buckley says that he missed being in a competitive environment while playing in Australia but is content not to have to rush back for such an important fixture.
"It's three points, no matter what," he said. "You don't get any more points for beating Sligo than you do for beating (Shamrock) Rovers.
"At least we have a squad now, I won't be forced to play every game."
To prove the point, Devine says he won't push Jordan Flores back into action after he tweaked his quad against UCD. However the former Dundalk man did train yesterday and could feature.
Bohs are facing into a challenging period with a trip to Derry City to follow the Rovers game, followed by the visit of St Pat's to Phibsboro on Friday week.
"So we have two Dublin derbies and a big game away on Easter Monday," Buckley said.
"The next two weeks will tell a lot about where we are but we have nothing to fear. I can't think of any game where someone split us open, we have been working hard defensively.
"When we got to the Cup final it was nearly the same 12, 13 players playing every week, I see now it changes every week - I don't think Declan has had the same XI any week, we have people coming in and doing a job."
The Hoops are 10 points off Bohs with seven games played and picked up their first win of the campaign in comprehensive fashion against Dundalk last Friday.
"To be fair, their performances have not reflected their results," Buckley commented. "They just haven’t put the ball in the back of the net in some games.
"They scored four against Cork, and again last weekend four again. That’s what Rovers are. They can turn it on. If you’re not on it, they can punish you as they’ve got good attacking players."
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