Aberdeen winger Gary Mackay-Steven says feeling wanted at Pittodrie has helped him rediscover his best form.
The 28-year-old, who joined the Dons from Celtic last summer, showed glimpses of what he can produce during his first year at Pittodrie.
But the Scotland cap has been one of Derek McInnes’ best performers so far this season and is thriving on being a regular fixture in the Dons starting line-up.
Mackay-Steven, who has chipped in with four goals in seven appearances this season, said: “This is the best start to a season I have had in the last few years.
“I feel settled and content.
“I got a good pre-season under my belt, which I think is the most important thing.
“If you complete pre-season and get a lot of minutes then it bodes well for the season ahead.
“We started with some big European games and I feel I have hit the ground running.
“I think it is the same for the whole team and we just want to keep going.
“In my last year at Celtic, the team was quite settled.
“At pre-season, although I was fit, I didn’t get the minutes I wanted.
“I have got those minutes this year.
“It is great to feel wanted and an important part of the team.
“That is what all players want as it gives you the confidence to go out and perform.”
Mackay-Steven, who is in the second year of a two-year deal with the Dons, started only four league games in his final season at Celtic before making the move to Pittodrie.
It was a frustrating period for the former Dundee United player, who made his only Scotland appearance to date in a friendly draw against the United States at Hampden five years ago.
He said: “I don’t think any player likes sitting on the bench.
“They want to get out there and perform and show what they can do.
“I am no different.
“I am happy and looking forward to the next few games.”
Mackay-Steven knows the Dons will have to keep striker Tony Watt quiet if they are to claim all three points against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park today.
The 24-year-old, who trained with the Dons last term, has netted six goals in nine appearances.
Mackay-Steven said: “Tony Watt has been scoring a lot of goals and performing well.
“He has got his chance there. He is fit and doing well.
“I was at Airdrie with Tony a long time ago.
“I know him well.
“He has gone to different places but he is definitely a goalscorer.
“He is a threat.
“He has had fleeting glimpses but, from what I have seen, he is a big handful for defenders.
“He knows where the goal is and he looks fit and strong.
“It will be a big season for him and he has started well.
“Hopefully that continues but not this Saturday.”
Mackay-Steven is also wary of a St Johnstone side that have picked up two points more than the Dons in their opening four Scottish Premiership fixtures.
The Perth Saints moved up to fifth spot with a 2-1 win at Hamilton earlier this month.
Mackay-Steven added: “Matty Kennedy and their other wingers like to bomb forward and get balls in the box.
“They are always solid but they have added that extra strength.”