Mark O'Hara wasn't expecting to be involved in Motherwell's Scottish Cup fifth round squad against Aberdeen - so to be sprinting out his own box after 94 minutes was quite a shock.
The midfielder hadn't played for the Steelmen since early November's 2-0 Premiership win at Pittodrie and featured for the first time since in a 2-1 cup win against Stephen Glass' Dons.
Christian Ramirez had put Aberdeen ahead after two minutes but 'Well boss Graham Alexander watched his side turn the screw and win through first half goals from Kevin Van Veen and Connor Shields.
It's Motherwell's third win against the Pittodrie club this season and O'Hara was an impressive performer. He only returned to training in the week prior to facing Aberdeen.
A loud roar from the Fir Park crowd when Scottish Cup quarter-final progression was booked made the process of his recovery worthwhile.
The 26-year-old said: "It was amazing to be back out there. I think it was 13 or 14 weeks in total that I missed so it was great just to be back.
"I had a quad injury. They didn't think it was that bad but then I had a scan and it was the worst tear you could have. I was pretty numb.
"I hate watching the games (when he's injured) as it's so frustrating not being a part of things. I only started to train again this week so I didn't expect to play.
"I relished a big game like this. I actually had another bit of adrenalin before the end as I thought I was going to get in one versus one. I thought there was a chance!
"There was a 10-minute spell breathing-wise but overall I am feeling fine. I have been working hard non-stop, just doing different things."
It's not the first injury O'Hara's had in the past year. First it was a concussion injury in early 2021 before a muscle problem in pre-season ahead of this campaign.
Motherwell hadn't won in 90 minutes this year prior to defeating Aberdeen. With the Dons to come at Fir Park in Premiership action next Saturday, O'Hara hopes a good run is on the way, for him and the team.
He added: "The physios have helped me back a couple of times now. I have enjoyed the challenge of getting back fit and stronger and I felt the benefits against Aberdeen.
"When people say blood, sweat and tears, they think that's just a metaphor, but it was literally blood, sweat and tears to get here. You need to enjoy days like this.
"The crowd made such a difference and the final whistle was a moment we were all able to share. There's no moment like the whistle in a big game.
"When you see the team struggle a bit, you feel a bit helpless. I wasn't expecting to be in the squad, so I was surprised to be playing. To go 90 minutes and feel fine, I've surprised myself!
"2021 was an unfortunate year for me and I was glad to see the back of it. I have been lucky to not have any injuries in my career so hopefully 2021 was a freak year and now I'm back on the right track."
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