Jordan Chapell wants to keep his place in the Chester FC side after a frustrating period on the sidelines because the confidence that comes with regular games makes him a better player.
Former Torquay United winger Chapell made an impressive start to the campaign but, much like the team, his form dipped and he found himself on the bench.
The 24-year-old was an unused substitute for four consecutive games over Christmas and New Year including missing out on the 4-1 win against his former club.
But he was recalled to face Hungerford Town in the FA Trophy and marked his return with the opening goal, and has started the last two league games.
Chester head to FC Halifax Town in the last 16 of the FA Trophy this weekend and Chapell, who scored the winner in the corresponding league fixture back in August, hopes for another start as he tries to recapture his form from earlier in the season, admitting confidence is a big part of that.
Chapell said: "When I'm confident I don't really think about things too much and it just seems to happen.
"I was out of the team for three weeks and wasn't even getting off the bench so I've been working hard and doing extra bits of training and I feel like I've come back sharper than I was before.
"For any player it's always frustrating being on the bench because you just want to get on and have an impact on the game.
"The gaffer told me to keep doing what I was doing and I had to wait for my chance until it came in the FA Trophy and I took it and I want to push on from here."
Next up after the game with Halifax is a long trip to second-bottom Torquay, where Chapell spent two seasons, and then bottom of the table Kidderminster Harriers.
Having been a frustrated onlooker when the Gulls visited the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium, the Sheffield-born wideman hopes to get the chance to face his former employers on February 13.
"I'm looking forward to because I didn't play in the last game so hopefully I'll be involved this time and it will be good to see some familiar faces," said Chapell.
"We've got plenty of teams around us in the table so if we can get a couple of wins we can push on in the league."
