Motherwell assistant boss Keith Lasley says the introduction of Liam Shaw and Ross Tierney could prove key for the Steelmen.
The pair are the Premiership club's two winter signings so far. Tierney has linked up with the squad after agreeing a pre-contract to join from League of Ireland side Bohemian while Shaw joined on loan from Celtic last week.
Both central players - Tierney an attacking midfielder while former Sheffield Wednesday man Shaw can play anywhere down the middle of the park - are 20 years of age.
Lasley has been impressed by both in training this week ahead of Motherwell's return to Premiership action against Ross County next Tuesday.
He said: "Liam's in training with us and he has been for a few days now. He looks a good athlete and he looks technically good.
"You can see why he's been highly thought of down at Sheffield Wednesday and you can see why Celtic have brought him up.
"Hopefully he makes an impact in the second half of the season. He looks a good player and I am looking forward to seeing him in action.
"Hopefully Liam adds to that midfield mix. I think it's a great opportunity for Ross and it's what we have historically done as a club.
"We have handed out platforms to players so they can take their careers to a new level and be noticed. Guys that are flying under the radar a wee bit in leagues like the League of Ireland.
"We expose them to a bigger audience. Ross looks full of hunger and he is used to playing games, which is good. I think it is important that you add a couple of fresh faces at this time of year. It keeps up that competitive spirit."
Motherwell manager Graham Alexander has opted for a younger approach in this transfer market and his oldest midfielder is Sean Goss at 26.
Lasley, a combative midfielder in his playing days, says a focus on youth is good: "When you have that youth, it adds an energy and a drive to the place. That's what we want the team to be. We want to be know for our passion.
"Those two boys look like adding to that and we want to push on, not wasting the good work we have already done so far."
Motherwell ended 2021 fourth in the table and with a 2-1 win over Livingston. But the hard work to maintain the position has only started ahead of a long trip to Dingwall.
He said: "We brought our preparations forward a week so the guys had some time off over Christmas and New Year. We have been back in preparing for a week.
"We are now into our second week as we get prepared for next Tuesday."
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