SCOTT Morrison yesterday (Thursday) declared himself ready for the call if thrown back into the fray for the top-of the-table thriller against Dundee.
The Ross County left back has had to show patience and mental fortitude amid the league leaders' formidable surge in First Division form.
But with Marc Fitzpatrick suffering an unfortunate knee ligament injury against Raith Rovers a fortnight ago, Morrison's wait may be over tomorrow.
With a big crowd expected for the Dark Blues' visit, manager Derek Adams will be forced to change his starting line-up for the first time in six matches.
With Fitzpatrick out for six to eight weeks, skipper Richard Brittain is also suspended.
The vastly-experienced Morrison appears the logical choice to slot back into the left full-back role, but is yet to learn if he will play.
The 27-year-old former Aberdeen and Dunfermline defender said, "The manager is never one to give too much away. He hasn't said anything yet.
"I'm hopeful - fingers crossed. I'll certainly be ready, if needed."
Morrison was chosen for the season's opening match and scored in the shock Ramsdens Cup defeat to Third Division Elgin City.
But having started two more games in August, he lost his place after the 5-1 defeat away to Hamilton.
Fitzpatrick stepped in and managed a 16-match selection run, helping County to 10 victories in a row before injury on December 3.
Morrison, while aware of conspiracy theories regarding his future at County, insists his situation is down to the simple mechanics of selection and form.
He stressed, "It has obviously been disappointing for me. You want to play.
"I came to Ross County to play regularly and, when you're not playing, it's naturally frustrating because you're working so hard during the week.
"But that is part and parcel of football and I've seen it before. I've been in Marc Fitzpatrick's shoes myself, displacing someone from the team.
"It happened here with me and Stuart Golabek before I found myself in the team.
"I ended up playing all but one match in the 2009/10 season - something like 49 games.
"That's the way it goes, especially with the back four. When the defence is doing well, you very rarely change it, and rightly so.
"So I've been philosophical, but still frustrated.
"It has been great to see the team winning and there has been a good buzz about the club this season after such a bad time last year.
"You want to be involved, but you want to be involved in a successful team so you don't wish for any dip in form just so you can get back in the team.
"I'm a firm believer that if you believe you will get back in the team and work hard in training, stay positive, it will happen for you."
Morrison lives locally in Strathpeffer with his young family.
If he had a pound for every time a well-meaning supporter has asked him why he is not playing, he would be on Premiership money.
Morrison laughed, "It does get a bit tiring because you just have to give the same answer every time.
"Whatever people might think, there is nothing to read into my situation, nothing exciting.
"You just have to give the same boring answer each time that the team has been doing well and that you can't change a winning team.
"I'm sure they are getting fed up hearing my answers. Then again, everyone has been really happy this season so they are just focusing on the team, really."
Morrison, if chosen, comes into the team at an intriguing juncture.
While the 36-match league campaign is still only 15 games old, County approach Christmas with a healthy eight-point lead and one game in hand.
Preserving or enhancing that advantage over the Festive period and into the New Year would break the back of the season.
Morrison said, "Everyone knows that Christmas time is a big period in the season. If you can stay ahead beyond then, you're moving into a good position.
"But I think we will just carry on doing what we have been doing all season.
"We haven't been worrying about the table too much and have just been focusing on each game.
"We've actually found ourselves in a great position and teams have been losing points behind us.
"Obviously, Dundee have gone on a great run of form in the last month but that happens. You can't worry too much about teams behind you.
"We just focus on ourselves and on each game. We make sure we prepare right.
"We treat each game the same and it has served us well so far. We'll just continue to do that and see how the season pans out."
Morrison expects a great cup tie atmosphere at Victoria Park this weekend, with Dundee expected to take strong backing north.
He said, "I think it will be fantastic. Victoria Park, when it's full, has a great atmosphere. It was really good a couple of weeks ago with Falkirk.
"They took a big support up and I would imagine Dundee will have similar. They will let themselves be heard.
"Hopefully, the Ross County fans will try and match their voices and it will be a right good atmosphere."
Morrison has been an unwilling onlooker from the bench or stand through much of the campaign.
From that vantage point, he believes the change in Ross County from the troubles of 2010/11 is down to a raising of standards.
He said, "We have all got back into good habits again. I think a lot of people maybe picked up bad habits last season.
"The manager is really specific on what he wants and makes sure we train hard and do things the right way around the club.
"I think we take that into the game on a Saturday. You set standards for yourself and make sure you maintain those standards.
"And I think the team has been a bit more ruthless this season. We've got more legs up front which is really helpful.
"If you have that in this league and can get in behind teams, that's so important. Maybe last season we were playing in front of teams too much. Again, we've been really solid and creative in midfield and really solid at the back.
"Michael Fraser has slotted into Michael McGovern's boots really well. He hasn't had a huge amount to do in the last couple of weeks, but that's a good sign.
"He and the back four have looked really organised and long may it continue.
"Above all, confidence is the key.
"We believe we can go out and beat anyone and that's the philosophy we had two seasons ago when we went to the Scottish Cup final.
"We have rediscovered that in the league and it is serving us well so far."
