It didn’t happen for me last year here but the gaffer is showing faith in me this season. When you’ve got that backing, it can help bring out the best in you. I think that is happening but have plenty more to give as well.

Last season I didn’t perform like I should have but I am getting games now and every player needs that to show what they can do.

Although I have enjoyed getting those appearances, the manager is always expecting more and if you don’t perform, you know about it. It is something you need.

It is never easy, you are never guaranteed to play and if you don’t perform, you will be on the bench. It keeps you on your toes and nobody gets comfortable.

You need that because if you are comfortable, you are not going to give it your all.
I was on the bench against Birmingham but the manager chose a side that could have easily have won. We did have a good chance of winning.

You always want to play but I am sure in the long run the rest will do us good and it might have been the right decision. We could have played and then a couple could have got knocks and then we would be struggling for Saturday.

The more tired you are, the more prone you are to injuries.

It was another long bus journey home but luckily I am not too bad at travelling.

I just try and watch films on my ipad to kill time. We don’t have a card school, maybe we should but we do play Monopoly.

My strategy is to buy everything as soon as possible, even Old Kent Road, as even that will bring you money in!

Read the full column in Friday's Medway Messenger