Andi Weimann believes his brilliant winning goal against Blackpool can prove the catalyst to earn more minutes following a frustrating spell in the Bristol City side.
The Austrian's fifth goal of the season was his first in four months and his first strike on home soil since August, as he found the top corner from distance in the second half against Blackpool. It was also the first time the Robins have scored from outside of the area this season.
Weimann, who started every Championship game last season during his remarkable 22-goal, 10-assist haul, has had to remain patient for his opportunity since the end of January following his comeback from injury. City's captain sustained a hamstring injury in the FA Cup draw against Swansea in the New Year which saw him sidelined for four matches.
Prior to his injury, Weimann had made nine consecutive appearances but was named in the starting XI against Blackpool for only the third time in nine games at the weekend due to the form of Mark Sykes. City's switch in formation to a 4-3-3 has also seen Alex Scott push into a No10 role where the midfielder's performances have continued to earn high praise.
If Matty James returns to fitness to face Luton Town on Wednesday night, Nigel Pearson will have to make a decision on Weimann's involvement but the forward hopes he has taken his chance to start at Kenilworth Road on Wednesday. He said: "Obviously I've been a bit frustrated really and haven't played as much as I've wanted to so it was a nice feeling when it hit the net.
"When it opened up I had just one thing on my mind and that was to try to hit it on target and as soon as it left my foot I could see it curling in so it was a nice feeling.
"It hasn't gone as well as I've wanted it to over the last few months. I had the injury and obviously, the lads up front have been doing well really. I've had to be patient and I got my chance again from the start and all I can do is take my chance and score a goal and hopefully, I can get a few more minutes now."
Weimann started the campaign in similar form to last season with three goals in his opening three matches but his versatility has seen him used in a variety of positions, ranging from the main striker to right-wing, centre midfield and even right wing-back. Although under no illusions that matching last season's tally was always going to be a monumental effort, Weimann believes his shifting of roles has limited his opportunities in front of goal.
"At the start of the season, I was playing more as a striker and then I dropped back a little bit more so I didn't get as many chances in front of goal," he added. "Last season everything just fell for me.
"When I got in the box, if there was a deflection it would just land to me. This season I haven't had that many chances.
"I'm still confident that if I get a chance I'll take it but for some reason, I haven't got into those positions and it hasn't fallen for me where I've had those clear-cut chances but I'm still as confident as last year."
Saturday also saw team-mate Alex Scott score his first league goal of the season when he drilled in Harry Cornick's cross in the final 10 minutes. It came just days after reports in the Telegraph suggested Wolves were ready to test City's resolve with a £20million offer following their January interest.
Pearson confirmed they haven't received any fresh offers for the 19-year-old talent, insisting his transfer value stands at over £25m, as interest continues to grow. For Weimann, he has no doubt Scott is ready for the Premier League having forged a close bond with him on and off the pitch.
"He's got everything and now he's added a goal as well," said the Austrian, who played in the top-flight with Aston Villa when he was just 19. "If he can get a few more goals and add that to his game there's no stopping him.
"He's been brilliant since he's come through, he's been brilliant this season and I'm happy that he's able to get his first Championship goal this season. I'm sure he'll have a few more shots now.
"I think he showing that he is ready (now). Obviously, I want it to be with us in the Premier League but as I've said, he will be a Premier League player.
"Me and him get on really well. I've tried to help him since he's come through. I live right next to him too so I see him outside of football and do stuff together so it's not just Alex, I try to help other younger players as well but I think between me and him we've got a really good bond and he deserves all the plaudits.
"We're obviously happy to have him but I have no doubt he'll play in the Premier League at some point and hopefully for England too. He's so level-headed he just needs to keep that going. He's got a talent I haven't seen before so hopefully, he can go right to the top."
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