John Rankin says he feels a change in the atmosphere around New Douglas Park this week after Hamilton Accies picked up their first win since August.
And he reckons the return of some players from injury is pushing others in the squad to lift their game.
Tuesday night's 1-0 win at Inverness ended a run of four straight defeats for Accies and lifted them off the foot of the Championship table ahead of Saturday's clash away to rock bottom Arbroath.
Rankin has noticed a tangible shift among his squad over the past week as performamnces have improved and the likes of Andy Ryan and Miko Virtanen have come back into the fold.
And he said: "I can feel the atmosphere changing. I can hear the noises in the training ground, I can hear demands being put on each other and when you hear players doing that it is much more satisfying than the manager or Darian [MacKinnon, his assistant].
"Once the players demand off of each other that is the standards we are looking to set.
"The injured ones coming back makes a difference.
"I now see big JP [John-Pierre Tiehi] with the bit between his teeth. Before that he was only competing with himself for the jersey, but over the last two games I've seen him respond and respond to having to come off early against Morton [the 5-0 defeat].
"That's the reaction I'm looking for from the players. I'm looking for hunger and he's certainly not sulking with the way he has come on and performed in the previous couple of games.
"But, listen, we've won one game and we are still in ninth position so the standards still need to be raised further.
"The players are fully aware of that and I'm sure they will do that in the coming weeks."
Meanwhile, on the injury front fans are still no closer to seeing the likes of Lucas de Bolle return, with the midfielder's concussion still holding him back.
Rankin also offered an update on midfielder Lewis Spence who was ack on the treadmill last week following knee surgery.
"There is no development with Lucas," said Rankin. "He went for a CT scan on Tuesday and we are still being guided by the medical department.
"He has not been running, he's been nowhere near the pitch or done anything physical at all.
"It's obviously a concern for him and the main thing is he is fit and healthy. He's obviously got an issue with his vision being blurred but he seems really positive about it.
"He went away and played for Scotland but got a recurrence of his symptoms. It's unfortunate but the kid's health is the most important thing.
"Lewis Spence is only at 30 per cent of his weight right now so that needs to get built up over the next few months.
"Spenny will probably be the new year before he is anywhere near coming back.
"It was a serious injury and the surgeons' have done a great job with him. The physios are really pleased and it's a case of getting him through the fitness programme."
One player closer to a return is Marley Redfern, who has been out since January.
Rankin added: "Marley joined in training over the last week but we will have a wee bit to go before he can get back.
"He is a huge prospect and still young, so to get him back in the squad with his pace and energy would be a huge boost for everyone.
"Seeing him back on the training pitch is massive."
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