Michael Beale has backed Alfredo Morelos as he issues an injury update on his squad today.
The Colombian striker has received plenty of criticism this season for his physical condition after returning from a long-term injury.
It remains to be seen if Morelos will be offered a new contract, but Kris Boyd this week insisted that his time was up.
Beale has been tight-lipped on negotiations recently, but he has backed Morelos to return to his best.
He said: "I know what Alfredo is going through to play through one or two knocks, some players would struggle to play through this. I can see how hard he is working."
Issuing an injury update on his squad, Beale continued: "Since Goldson and Davies have returned we look a lot stronger. Souttar back in training today and King doing well so we look stronger. As we get people back, the form will come.
"I was really pleased to see Souttar back in training. We took a little bit longer to get to the bottom of his issues and hopefully he can now stay fit. Even today on his first session back he showed his strengths.
"By the end of the month, hopefully, we will see Hagi and Souttar return to the team - both are now in contact training.
"Helander is a fantastic player who has sadly been unable to show it with injuries recently. At this moment in time, he has to focus on his rehab and at 29, he still has a future ahead of him. He is in here every day working hard.
"Tom Lawrence was away seeing a specialist yesterday, he has had a little discomfort. At this moment in time, we just need to wait on an update for this one.
"For us, as a staff arriving, we had a lot of injuries and a heavy schedule. We are now at the other side of that and in a positive place to decide who we need moving forward."
On potential new faces coming in, Beale added: "I want to sit in front of any potential players and look into his eyes. I want to meet a player and tell them exactly what I want and the role we want them to play. Any players recruited are here to do a specific job for our squad.
"Anyone coming in we want to fit into our squad, I am a development coach and I want to grow players. I only want people coming in who want to drive themselves forward, you have to want to improve.
"Our recruitment side here is very strong, no player will arrive without input from the manager and I will work closely with the recruitment team."
