Shane Long is hopeful that his goal in Southampton's 1-0 FA Cup win away to Ipswich Town stands him in good stead over increased Premier League appearances.
The Irishman netted the only goal of the game in Wednesday's third-round replay as Ronald Koeman's side set up a clash with Crystal Palace in the next stage.
Long, who has scored four times in all competitions this season, hasn't started any of the Saints' last four league outings, and the striker hopes that can change now.
"The win was the most important thing and getting some minutes under my belt playing up front to show the gaffer what I can do," he told the club's website.
"With those sort of finishes, sometimes it can go wrong but it hit the back of the net and we didn't need the second.
"It was a tough game very windy and a hard pitch so it was kind of a battle of a game and sometimes you just have to put yourself about, try and force mistakes to get in behind and get space, but I enjoyed it."
Graziano Pelle, Long's main competitor for a regular starting berth, has struck 11 times in all competitions - including eight in the league.
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