Stags' boss Steve Evans says some players have 'put themselves in the frame' for a start against Coventry City on Saturday after impressing in the reserves' 5-0 win over York City earlier this week.
A strong Stags' side defeated the Minstermen 5-0 thanks to a goal from Hayden White and a brace apiece from midfielder Calum Butcher and striker Jimmy Spencer.
The Central League fixture provided 10 first team players with 90 minutes of competitive action, whilst midfielder Jack Thomas completed all-but the final eight minutes of the encounter.
And impressive individual performances at Bootham Crescent have provided the gaffer with a number of options as Stags return to Sky Bet League Two action after a two-week break on Saturday.
"We pride ourselves in saying that performances put you in the team. You don't get in my team by coming in my office and talking and having a cup of coffee," the Stags' chief said.
"That's nice and it's always part of the job but it never puts you in the team. We say train properly, play properly, prove your point on the playing surface and that gives you a chance.
"I think there's every chance we see one or two of them, maybe more [from Tuesday]. I think the opportunity to go and play and stake a claim is always what we strive for here.
"We strive to have many options available to us so when we sit down this afternoon, myself and Paul [Raynor], and have a real open dialogue about picking the team for Saturday, some of those lads have put themselves in the frame.
"You don't get in my team by coming in my office and talking and having a cup of coffee."
"We'll pick it as best we can to do a good job against what is an outstanding Coventry side."
Stags are now six games unbeaten in all competitions but the gaffer recognises that his side need to turn some draws into wins to break into the top group in Sky Bet League Two.
"We're in good form; we're six unbeaten. If we're 16 unbeaten, we'll be in the shake-up at the top end. We understand in that 16 unbeaten there needs to be some wins.
"It's a big test for us on Saturday at Coventry. This is a side that will be there at the end of it and we have to make sure that we're ready to face a real stern challenge.
"I think you have to take every game in isolation. If you got to the Ricoh and you draw, it's a good result, whatever way you look at it. Is it a result you come away really pleased with? No, because we need to win some football matches."
The former Leeds United manager will be without striker Lee Angol, who is out with a knee injury, for Saturday's trip to Warwickshrie, whilst defender David Mirfin has suffered a small set-back in his recuperation from a hamstring strain.
"Mirf's had a little setback, so he won't be there. He's probably a week away now from being a day or two away.
"When they go to that final explosive pace on two or three consecutive days, that's when [you find out] if there's any little niggles in there. We rescanned David yesterday; it's just not quite completely cleared up. I think the medical staff said he's about another seven days away from being back in the group.
"We can live with that, because it is what it is. Lee Angol won't be there on Saturday."
Supporters can login to iFollow Stags to view the manager's full news conference later today.
