Offrande Zanzala is back on the pitch and smiling - and he says there will be bigger smiles when he nets his first goal of the campaign.
The former Derby striker, who scored six goals last season, has had a torrid time so far this season, plagued by two hamstring injuries which have ruled him out since pre-season, eight weeks altogether.
Now he is back, coming on as a substitute against Southend last weekend, and wants to play his part to help the 17th placed Reds climb the table, starting with Oxford on Saturday at the Wham Stadium.
John Coleman has been singing ‘Ossy’s’ praises by saying: “I think Ozzy will click and be one of the best strikers in the league. He has everything - he is unpredictable, he is physically strong, he is quick and has an eye for goal.”
“It’s nice to hear that,” said the 22-year-old, who was born in Congo. “When the manager believes in you, it gives you massive confidence. He trusts me and I trust him with his decisions, he knows what I am capable of.
“Since I have been here, the management have put their arm around me when they have needed to and it’s good to know they have my back.
“Now I am back from injury, I want to push on, do the best I can to thank them and prove others wrong.”
Zanzala is fighting for the forward spots with summer signings Dion Charles and Colby Bishop, with the latter facing a late fitness test on his ankle.
“There is good competition, Dion and Colby have come in and have been scoring a few goals and I have got to work hard to get my place back and then make my contribution to the team by scoring goals.
“While I have been out, the lads have made sure I am involved and around the team which has helped, they have been supportive, but now I want to kick on and show what I can do.”