Aberdeen defender Anthony O’Connor was delighted to mark his return to the team with a victory.
With Andrew Considine suspended and Mark Reynolds absent through injury, the Irishman made his first start for the Dons in Saturday’s 1-0 win against Motherwell since the 2-1 defeat by Ross County at Dingwall in December.
O’Connor impressed during his first start in 13 matches as the Dons recorded an eighth successive home victory thanks to an added-time goal from Niall McGinn.
The former Burton Albion defender said: “I can’t pretend it’s been anything other than very frustrating for me.
“I’ve been sitting watching the team going well but that’s part of football and they made it hard for me to get back in the team.
“Thankfully, I got my chance to get back in and I thought I did well. It was nice to get the win. If a player tells you they’re happy to sit on the bench then there’s something wrong.
“I had a few chats with the manager but he told me the team was doing well and I had to wait for my chance. You see that in every team. I just had to be patient and with Mark Reynolds out for a number of weeks and Andy Considine suspended it gave me a chance to step in.
“I was able to show what I could do and I want to stay there now. It’s healthy to have competition. We’re all good mates but ultimately we all want to play.
“We’re striving to be in the team and that healthy competition – pushing each other in training every day to make sure you’re in the team the following week – can only help the team.”
Saturday’s victory helped the Dons remain in pole position to secure second spot behind Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic, although O’Connor is expecting Rangers to end the season strongly under new manager Pedro Caixinha, who takes over at Ibrox today and was in the stand to watch the Light Blues draw 1-1 with Celtic at Parkhead yesterday.
The Dons defender was pleased his own manager Derek McInnes, who was linked with the post, is remaining at Pittodrie for the foreseeable future.
He added: “There was a lot of speculation. Of course he’s going to be linked with clubs because we’re doing well.
“We’re second in the table and in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup after reaching the final of the League Cup. He’s doing a very good job, so he’ll be linked with clubs but thankfully he’s staying here.
“I’d like to think he’s made the right decision. Rangers will probably get a lift from bringing in a new manager but if we keep playing to what we’re capable of then I’m convinced we will finish in second place.”
