Charlie Adam has insisted that working hard on the training ground was the key reason behind his return to Stoke City's starting lineup.
The Scotland international was brought in from the off for the first time this season on Monday night, playing his part in the Potters' 3-1 victory over Swansea City.
Adam admits to being left frustrated by his lack of playing time in the opening few months of the campaign, having featured just three times from the bench prior to being given a chance to shine in the absence of the injured Geoff Cameron.
"It's frustrating because I want to play every game, but you just have to be disciplined with what you are doing off the pitch," he told the club's official website. "You need to make sure you are ready for when you are called upon, and then you have to perform well consistently because it is difficult with so many other players challenging for those starting spots.
"I won't lie and say it hasn't been tough because there have been some tough moments and the fitness coaches, who I have spent a fair bit of time with, will tell you that. I never once went to the manager about not playing, I just kept working hard behind the scenes and waited for my opportunity.
"Mine has come because Geoff has sustained an injury, which was sad because he was playing well, but sometimes you need that to happen to get back into the team. It's then down to you to take that chance, because if you don't then there are plenty of other guys waiting in the wings to fill in."
Cameron is still struggling with a knee injury, meaning that Adam is expected to start Stoke's meeting with West Ham United on Saturday.
