Port Vale defender James Gibbons has made it clear that he's eager to regain his spot in the starting XI for the Vale but understands the dilemma manager John Askey has when it comes to picking the squad.
The defender was on a great run of form leading up to March before picking up a back injury in training. It was a huge blow for Gibbons who was named only as a substitute for the 0-0 draw against Notts County, whilst Mitchell Clark started at right back in his place.
Since the trip to Meadow Lane, the Valiants are unbeaten and Clark has retained his position at right back ever since. Speaking after the 1-1 draw for the reserves against Rotherham this afternoon, Gibbons understands why he's not been selected and says his spell out the side won't affect his attitude and hard work ethic.
"Thats football, I came out the side that Saturday and we picked up a good point at Notts County, probably should've had three points and since then we're unbeaten.
"That's football and I'm just waiting for my chance and hopefully I can take it. Every player wants to play on a Saturday.
"It's these games like today in the reserves game where you've got to show why you should be in the side and treat it with the right attitude and I think the lads did that today. We used it as a fitness exercise as well as putting ideas into the gaffer's head for Saturday."
Gibbo featured in a fairly new position this afternoon with Mick Ede opting to play him right midfield, slightly more forward than his natural position at right back.
The 20 year old wore the captains armband and showed a terrific attitude throughout the game and was unlucky at one stage not to grab a goal. With Askey watching on, Gibbons stressed that when you're given the opportunity to play in the first team or reserves, you "can't take any chances" and the right attitude must be shown.
Playing his new position, Gibbo said today was a good experience but says he's looking forward to trying to get regain his spot in the first team where there is a great atmosphere amongst the lads.
"I enjoyed it and a nice day for it too! Anywhere I can play, I used it for minutes as well as improving my play going forward so I took today as a good opportunity for me.
"You can't not treat it in the right way because it's only going to go against you, the gaffer's going to think if he doesn't want to play for the reserves that's where you've got to prove to him that you should be playing so I think everyone's treated it in the right way and done well today.
"When you're winning it's miles better coming in on Monday morning, everyone's laughing and that but even when you're losing it's that togetherness that you've got to have and I think this season we've got that in abundance."