Notts County midfielder Jim O'Brien has explained how belief in his work ethic is the only motivation he needs following a recent resurgence in form after social media abuse was directed towards the 34-year-old.
The Scotsman was the subject of a number of tweets following performances at the start of the National League season, with a minority of supporters suggesting that O'Brien was not good enough for Luke Williams' side.
But since Connell Rawlinson jumped to his team-mate's aid on Twitter, O'Brien has been simply brilliant in the Magpies midfield, putting on excellent performances against Dagenham & Redbridge and Aldershot, forming a great partnership with fellow midfielder Matty Palmer.
READ MORE: Five things we learned as Notts County continue stunning form against Aldershot
However, this kind of abuse is something that the midfielder has seen a number of times during his Notts career and he has explained how fans don't see the work he puts in on the training pitch in between fixtures.
"It was weeks ago so from my point of view, it is all forgotten about now," explained O'Brien.
"People have written me off over the past couple of years, and I understand that social media can be that sort of place and when things get personal, you think hold on, this guy does not see me or the work I put in day to day.
"He does not see my GPS numbers, and the distance I cover. I'm sure if I wasn't covering the distance or wasn't up to scratch, if my legs have gone if you like, I would not have a place in the team.
"I have played under three different managers now, and I have played, sometimes maybe not as much as I would have liked, I'm sure I won't play every game this season as much as I want to.
"I get it from a social media point of view, but from my point of view, least if I am getting it then one of the younger lads isn't getting it and it won't have an impact that way."
That type of abuse can be used in many different ways, with many players fuelling themselves with it to play better and provide that extra motivation to help their team to three points.
O'Brien revealed that his belief in the work he is putting in on the training pitch is all the motivation he needs to succeed.
"I don't really see it as that because you have the belief in what you are doing and what you are doing is the right thing," he added.
"I have been in the game long enough to know that I am still contributing to the squad day to day, and maybe this season, personally I have just taken a little longer to get up to speed.
"But my work rate day in, day out has been there. I know I have been contributing to the squad and I know I have plenty to give. I don't feel old, and everything is good, and everything is rosy.
"Of course, you will have patches as a player when you're maybe not on your top form, but if you are in the team and they are winning, you have to respect that and appreciate that we are all going in the right direction and use your attributes in other ways to motivate people to get the result for the team.
"From a motivation point of view, I would not say social media is a motivating factor when you believe in what you're doing."
