After missing two games through suspension, Ben Pearson was happy to be back out on the pitch at the weekend.
Pearson picked up his tenth booking of the season against Arsenal earlier this month, but returned to the starting Xl on Saturday and was happy to go straight back into the side, something he wasn't certain would happen given the competition in the side.
"It was good to be involved in a matchday situation, it was a long two or three weeks but I just kept on top of my fitness then I was straight back into it and it was good to get a game.
"I was prepared for either option, I wouldn't have been shocked if I wasn't playing so credit to the lads really. Against Brighton at home and against Aston Villa away it was two good results and obviously getting back out there you want to pick up where you left off and I think in the end a point was OK.
With two good results in his absence, the 21-year-old wasn't taking anything for granted in terms of returning to the team, and has praised the strength in depth of the current squad.
"When you just look at the players who aren't even getting into the squad you are talking six or seven senior players who aren't even making the 18.
It's good for the squad, obviously players won't be happy at times but you never know when you might get called upon.
"All of the lads are obviously working hard in training to catch the manager's eye and when you get a chance on the pitch you've got to take it.
Pearson himself is a prime example of that, having not featured much until September, the former Manchester United younger grasped his opportunity with both hands and has quickly become a key player in Simon Grayson's side.
That is something the midfielder feels his teammates can take heart from when fighting for their own place in the team.
"Obviously at the start of the season it was a tough little journey trying to break in to the team but I think it just shows that in football you are never out of the picture.
"The lads that are going through that now should obviously take confidence from that, that you are never out of the picture and when you do get back in, if you do perform, then you keep the shirt."