Rosaire Longelo is hoping he can now make a big impact with Accrington Stanley – starting with tomorrow's trip to Fleetwood Town.
The attacker has been hampered with a hamstring injury which meant he missed all of September and the first half of October.
The 22-year-old former Newcastle Under-21 has made 18 appearances for the Reds since signing in January, scoring two goals and has come off the bench in the last two games.
He is now hoping he can earn a place in the starting XI.
“It’s been pretty frustrating with the injury,” said Longelo. “Coming off the bench is a role I have to play but hopefully not for too long as in training I feel I have been good.
“I have been doing extra after-training and when I am at home, I have been doing extra going to the gym. I am feeling pretty good, it’s just a matter of time.
“When you get your chance, you have got to take it. When you get your shirt you have to make sure you keep it.
“You always want more, that’s how most footballers are, we are never really satisfied.”
He admits he felt helpless when he was injured but now he hopes he can play his part in helping to turnaround the run of four league defeats.
“We have to keep positive no matter what. We have been playing well but results haven’t been going our way. That’s just football. You just have to go out again Saturday. That’s the beauty of football, you always have another shot.
“I have always looked at every game the same, I go with the same mentality. I have had that from a young age.
“Saturday is a derby it gives you that extra push, you have that little extra edge, and I am just looking forward to it.”
He admits being in the first team changing environment is helping to develop him as a player.
“I am close to Mo Sangare, because I have known him for four plus years being at Newcastle together.
“Since I have been here, I have been close with Notts (Michael Nottingham). He has helped me a lot and played the ‘big brother’ role with me.
“I am also a fan of Sean McConville, I watch his game and movement, the way he times his movements and control is always so perfect. He is one of my favourite players here and ask him for advice.”
The full pre-match interview with Rosaire Longelo is available to watch on the club's official YouTube channel, CLICK HERE to find out more!