Airdrie's Dunfermline loanee Kyle MacDonald admits he had to think twice about returning to the Diamonds - but it's the right decision for him.
The versatile full-back left Ian Murray's side last January for Championship club Dunfermline but has been unable to obtain regular minutes under Pars boss John Hughes.
Murray offered to take him on a six-month loan in order to boost his team's League One title and promotion bid, which MacDonald had to consider carefully.
Eventually he agreed to the switch and notched an assist in an impressive second debut during Tuesday's 2-2 league draw with Clyde.
MacDonald explained: "It's been up and down and it's been difficult. I have been training every day and I have been doing my best to get into the Dunfermline team. I've had spells in and out the team.
"It's really difficult being a full-time footballer when you are not playing. You feel a bit lost. When the new gaffer came in at Dunfermline, I played the first five games.
"I wasn't playing in my preferred position. I was playing in midfield and as a winger. I am happy to play there if needed, but it's not my best position.
"I got taken out of the team and then I couldn't get back into the team. Then Airdrie gave me the opportunity to come here."
While full of respect for Airdrie and the quality of League One, MacDonald views himself as a Championship-level player.
He believes he has the ability to perform in that division, but he's eager to play regular football that wasn't forthcoming at Dunfermline.
Now a key Diamonds role is targeted: "Being honest, I wasn't 100% sure about this at first. I still felt I could play every week at Dunfermline.
"I was on the edge of playing. Football changes really fast so in the end, the best decision was to come here. I would like to think of myself as a Championship player with aspirations to go higher.
"If I am playing in League One with this team, I want to be one of the best players each week. I want to be playing at a higher level than this so I need to be one of the best players every week."
Trailing League One leaders Cove Rangers by seven points in the title race, Airdrie have a lot to do for automatic promotion. But they are in a good place to reach the promotion play-offs.
MacDonald added: "I do like to get forward and affect the game, and I feel as if I did that against Clyde. I was desperate for a goal and I got an assist on the night.
"I was happy with my performance and hopefully I can take that forward. The gaffer here wants to push for the league and promotion, so I felt this was the best for me. Promotion is on the agenda."
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