Conor Gethins felt he was due his chance at Formartine United.
But he feels his and the team’s form has vindicated manager Paul Lawson putting him back in the side.
Formartine have won five of their last six league games, scoring 26 goals in the process and also making the semi-finals of the Highland League Cup.
It has gone some way to lifting the malaise the club found themselves in, after an inconsistent start and a backlog of games left them in mid-table.
Gethins said: “Paul had to play a certain way and certain players and it’s come up trumps for him.
“We’ve been playing 4-4-2, with a lot of pace from midfield and up front – barring myself.
“We all compliment each other very well. I think boys have known they’re going to get a few games for a few weeks. If they play well, they’re going to stay in.
“We beat Turriff 5-0, Nairn 6-0 and Huntly 5-0.
“We’re free-scoring and keeping clean sheets.
“I had been saying to Paul a lot that I’d not had a wee chance to do what I do. I’m a goalscorer and I’ve shown that over the last few weeks.
“I shouldn’t have to say I’ve proved myself, but I’ve taken my chance since Garry Wood has been out.”
His return to the side has also seen Scott Lisle accelerate his scoring rate. Former Strathspey Thistle striker Lisle has scored four in his last five and appears to have struck up a beneficial partnership with the Irish forward.
He added: “I talk to Scott about different things and he’s taken some of them into games.
“Sometimes because of the way he plays, he might not suit Formartine.
“His pace and power was used on the counter at Strathspey Thistle. But he’s a fox in the box; put the ball in there and nine times out of 10 he’ll put it away.”
Formartine’s league meeting with Nairn County – Gethins’ old club – tonight has been postponed due to a frozen pitch at North Lodge Park.
