I celebrated my 21st birthday on Saturday night – and it came at the end of a week to remember.

I actually turned 21 the previous Monday, but with a big game at Brighton to prepare for the following day, not to mention Saturday’s home match against Southend United, festivities were the last thing on my mind.

Getting that long overdue away win at the Withdean Stadium was the best present I could have asked for.

The lads dug in well after Brighton made a good start and I was delighted to play a part in Scott Wagstaff’s goal at the end of the first half. After Deon Burton had opened the scoring, it put us in a strong position.

Defenders always pride themselves on clean sheets and it was great to follow up the 2-0 win against Brighton with a 1-0 success against Southend.

After plenty of action in recent games, it might not have been the best game to watch but again we worked hard and ground out another good win to maintain our standing in the second promotion place.

It’s been great to get back in the team lately but there’s no ill feeling toward Kelly Youga, who has been in great form this season.

I’ve known Kelly for a fair few years now and he’s done ever so well this term. He’s been one of our most consistent performers and it had become hard for me to break into the starting XI.

It does get to you when you aren’t in the team, no matter whether it’s Sunday football or playing for Charlton. I just want to play football and it’s frustrating sitting on the bench or not making the squad.

I went up to ask Phil Parkinson about going out on loan if the chance arose because that seemed the best option at the time. But things change quickly in football. I’ve been itching to get back in the team and now I’m in there, it’s up to me to make it as hard as possible for the gaffer to leave me out.

Obviously, people see me predominantly as a left-back but I’d like to think I can also do a job in the centre of defence if required.

I used to fill in at centre-back if there were injuries or sendings-off and it’s a position I feel comfortable in.

I played centre-back against Barnet in the cup earlier this year and I thought I had a good game.

It’s a position that relies on how you read the game. If you are a good reader of the game and you get your starting position right, then you can make it look easy.