Socceroo Martin Boyle admits he received a much needed "kick in the backside" when dropped by his Scottish club Hibernian - and it's booted him into a welcome end-of-year resurgence.
The 31-year-old Australia international was the toast of Hibs after scoring one and assisting on the other two goals in their 3-1 win at Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday, and he admitted he'd been spurred by being relegated to the subs' bench during his unconvincing, injury-compromised season.
Speaking to the club's in-house TV channel, Hibs TV, Boyle said: "I think maybe that was the kick up the backside I needed.
"The competition in the team is really high, and if you're not performing then you're sitting on the bench.
"But I'll always keep my spirits high, keep working hard behind the scenes, and thankfully I got my chance and took it.
"I was so keen to try and get that shirt back. I always want to contribute goals and assists, and thankfully I managed that."
Recalled to the starting lineup, Boyle told BBC Scotland how much he had enjoyed his return, setting up two goals for Elie Youan and Nicky Cadden before adding one of his own.
"I'm happy to contribute, I always give my all for this club and hopefully that can continue," said the Scottish-born Socceroo, who has won 30 caps for Australia.
"I felt fresh. Thankfully the manager picked me, I've been working hard and hopefully I can keep that up.
"I just need to keep working hard. I was out of the team, I had to be patient, but I've still got belief in myself that I can be the player everyone thinks I am.
"When you've got that jersey, you want to keep it and hopefully I've done that."
He hopes to continue his good form into the Boxing Day Edinburgh derby against Hearts, with Hibs now having moved into eighth spot in the league.
"The fans were absolutely brilliant. It's a hard time of year for them to spend their money to come here (to Aberdeen), so I'm glad we could put a smile on their face," he said.
