There have been many calls for Robert Earnshaw to at least be given a chance when we are chasing a goal but he is struggling to get a place on the bench.
Kenny Miller is Malky's No. 1 choice with Joe Mason and Rudy Gestede featuring ahead of Earnshaw.
“I judge players on their training every day and the games they play,” said Mackay.
“I have been surprised by the progress of Mason and Gestede. I thought they would be at numbers three and four among our strikers, but they have pushed their way forward and that’s great for this club.”
“I have a youngster on fire in Mason,” continued Mackay. “He has been coming on leaps and bounds. Look at the quality of his goal against Brighton. He has scored nine goals in 17 starts.
“When Rudy has been involved, either starting or as a substitute, he has been a threat to the opposition. During our home match against Peterborough he was near unplayable at times.
“Am I going to slow their progress? Absolutely not. I won’t apologise for that and if that means others have to sit and wait for their chance then that’s what will happen.
“If we still had seven subs instead of five then Earnie would be one of them.”
Earnie has been involved in 10 games and scored four goals.