Glentoran star Conor McMenamin says the support of his teammates and manager helped him deal with the controversy that marred his recent international call-up.
McMenamin was withdrawn from Northern Ireland's squad for their Nations League clash with Kosovo after an historic video emerged appearing to show the winger allegedly singing a pro-IRA chant.
He was later reinstated after the Irish FA gathered more information on the footage - believed to be seven years old - and travelled with the squad to Athens for the final game against Greece.
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The 27-year-old admits it had been a "difficult time" but says it is good to get back to concentrating on football with Glentoran.
"Obviously it was difficult at the time, but the club have been brilliant with me and been supportive. The gaffer and the board rallied round me, as did the boys, to make sure I was alright," he said.
"When you're out there (on the pitch) it is probably the safest place to be. You just want to go and play football and do well for the club and the boys.
"And thankfully I have been able to do that."
McMenamin has been unplayable in games this season, and on Friday night he proved a constant thorn in Linfield's side as the Glens ran out convincing 3-0 winners.
It was the latest statement of intent from Mick McDermott's side who are setting their sights on a first title since 2009.
"Hopefully there is more to come from the boys," McMenamin said.
"This is our biggest game of the season in front of the biggest crowd, and it's against our big rivals. So to get a result like that breeds confidence and all the lads are buzzing.
"We just have to stay level-headed.
"We slipped up last season and we know that. The gaffer has made some great signings for this club. Last year we were leaking goals from all sorts of angles.
"We came in early for pre-season even though we were not in Europe, and we worked on a lot of things. We always knew we could score goals, and now we are really solid.
"It has all been good."
As for his own form, McMenamin believes he is playing some of the best football of his career right now.
"I probably haven't felt better on the pitch," he added.
"Coming off the back of my Northern Ireland call-up (back in June) and doing well, and then coming into the season confident.
"I believe I can do well and help the team, and hopefully I can kick on."
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