GARY Rowett has told striker Calvin Zola and skipper Zander Diamond that they may have to wait before getting back into the Burton Albion starting side.
Zola has seen loan star Michael Symes make a massive impact up front since arriving from Leyton Orient on loan until the end of the season.
Marcus Holness and Nathan Stanton – before his injury – have filled in superbly at centre-half since Diamond was given a four-match ban for his red card at AFC Wimbledon.
And with the Brewers on a four-match winning streak, boss Rowett is reluctant to change his side.
“I said to Calvin ‘you’re going to have to be a bit patient’,” Rowett said after Tuesday’s thrilling 3-2 home victory over Morecambe.
“Zander might have to be a little bit patient, too.
“That’s the way it is because we’re on a good run of form – I think before the game we were top of the form table and that’s only going to enhance that.
“(Our form) means very little at the moment – we’re staying in there and giving ourselves a chance.
“If we’re still in the same position with three or four games left I might say we’ve got a chance.
“Up until that point, we’ve got a hell of a lot of work to do.”
Rowett has admitted he was concerned about fatigue ahead of Tuesday’s match following the stunning 4-2 win over Exeter City on Saturday and that changes could soon be forced upon him.
“I was a little bit concerned because I thought I needed to change it and maybe put two or three fresh bodies in,” he said.
“But it’s difficult when you’re winning and have been in such great form.
“It’s unfair on the lads in the side, too, so I decided to go with the same team.
“I was a little bit edgy as I felt we might lack a little bit of energy but as it was we started really well and up until 70 minutes I thought it was a terrific performance and they didn’t trouble us us up until that point.
“At 70 minutes and 3-0 up, we stopped doing the things which had got us there.”
Jacques Maghoma is a doubt for Saturday’s trip to face Bristol Rovers - but Rowett should have a better idea over the condition of his star wide-man - and now top scorer - tomorrow.
“He’s obviously hurt himself and I would assume that makes him a doubt for Saturday’s match,” said Rowett.
“You saw it with Mags tonight - he didn’t have that extra little yard in his stride.
“That’s going to happen, he can’t carry on playing the way he’s been playing every single game.
“What’s important is that Billy Kee stepped up to the fore with two wonderful goals.”
