Motherwell manager Graham Alexander says the Steelmen are starting to regain their energy after a demanding start to 2022.
Alexander's side haven't won any of their 10 Premiership matches in 2022 but could book a return to Hampden for the first time since 2018 by beating Hibs in Scottish Cup quarter-final action on Sunday.
The 'Well team has chopped and changed several times this season, with Alexander not naming a consecutive XI in the league since August.
It last happened in a double-header with Aberdeen last month, and the Motherwell boss says a lack of pre-season for some stars may have played its part.
10 first-team players didn't have that time to prepare this term at Fir Park but their manager can see their early season energy emerging.
He explained: "We had a real difficult period after the winter break, where we went to three games a week, having not done that at all this season.
"We try to keep a consistent teams but some picked up injuries, and some couldn't get to their full energy levels in those games.
"We want to pick a consistent team, but we have a good squad. It's up to the players to stake their claim for a place. That will never change in football. We are consistent in how we play.
"We have got 10 players who didn't do any pre-season with us. I think only one defender did the whole of pre-season with us. These things come to a head at some point and I think it did in January.
"I think we have overcome that very hectic schedule and I see the energy levels getting back to the players, which is giving me confidence."
Alexander's team have also conceded first in all but one of their games post-winter break - a 0-0 draw with Hibs in January. It's something that the 'Well boss believes can have an impact, even if it isn't defining.
He added: "It is a big point, but it doesn't define the end result. Should it happen again on Sunday, we need to show what we have already.
"We have won both Scottish Cup games this season (against Morton and Aberdeen) coming from behind but our record when we score first in the league is very good.
"The games in the Premiership are very tight. If you get the lead, teams shut up shop. It becomes difficult for the other team to get a goal and that's why these games are on fine margins.
"Every team wants to score first but it isn't match-defining. Sometimes on this run it has been hard to be angry about how we haven't won a game as we have done a lot of good things."
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