Jim Goodwin believes the versatility at his disposal has allowed Dundee United to deal with “probably the smallest squad” in the Scottish Premiership.
Despite having to cut costs, the manager has assembled a group that has impressed on the club’s return to the top flight.
After winning the Championship, United sit fourth, with just three defeats from their opening 14 league games.
“We probably have the smallest squad, I would imagine, in the league,” said Goodwin.
“We knew that we were going to have to reduce the budget from what it was last time when we were in the Premiership to try to make things more sustainable.
“In doing that, we had to make sure we signed good utility players and we have benefitted from those types of signings given the kind of injuries we have had of late.
“We have got certain players that can play two or three different positions and play those positions really well, so that was an important strategy in the recruitment process.”
United can extend their unbeaten run to five games when struggling Kilmarnock visit Tannadice on Saturday. The Tangerines are six points behind Rangers and 10 behind Goodwin’s former club Aberdeen, with a game in hand over the Dons.
“I am not really focusing on the league table right now,” he said.
“At my previous club I was sitting third in January, then came back after the World Cup break and things went pear-shaped, so you can’t underestimate the opposition in this league, you cannot take things for granted.
“I have got good, experienced players in the group that understand that these things can happen if you do get complacent, so the message is the same week after week; take it one game at a time.
“I think everybody would agree that Celtic are out on their own at the moment. I don’t think there is a great deal between the other 11 teams in the league.
“We have recognised that in the games we have played. Everything has been really tight but we are happy with what we are doing up to now, we just need to make sure we maintain that.”