Peterhead manager Jim McInally believes getting the best out of Gary Fraser could be key in the League 1 run-in.
The Blue Toon have nine games left this term as they look to steer clear of relegation.
The Buchan outfit sit in eighth, two points above the play-off place.
McInally is hoping midfielder Fraser can play a big part in their push for survival.
The 25-year-old has experience at a higher level, having played in the Premiership with Partick Thistle and the Championship for Morton and Hamilton Accies.
Injuries have stifled Fraser’s development and after leaving Thistle in the summer of 2018, he dropped into part-time football with Forfar Athletic and Cowdenbeath, before joining Peterhead this term.
During 29 appearances this season – 20 of which have been starts – Fraser has shown glimpses of his talent, but McInally believes the Blue Toon are yet to see his best.
The Balmoor boss said: “We’ve all seen glimpses of what he can do – but lets not kid ourselves that’s why he’s with us.
“There’s definitely flaws and he’s had issues with his fitness and that’s why he’s with us and not at a full-time team.
“But we’re still trying to encourage him and Gary is a player that needs encouragement, sometimes he needs an arm around him.
“We want him to be in a good mindset all the time. Last week I thought we had him training really well, then he was sick, and that’s why he was a sub on Saturday.
“But Gary has a big part to play for us without question.”
Instead of training last night Peterhead played a friendly against Junior club Dundee North End.
