Rory McKeown is determined to make up for lost time and play a key role for Crusaders in the remaining games this season.
The former Kilmarnock man has started the last four games for the Crues after Jarlath O'Rourke picked up an injury in the win over Dungannon Swifts last month.
While Mckeown admits it has been a frustrating time for him he is determined to take his chance now it has come along.
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“It has been a frustrating season for me and I would have liked to have played more games but there's many established players here and that's how football goes," he said.
“You take your chance when it comes and you stay in the team.
“I've come back from injury and am now getting games and I’ve hit the ground running.
“I’m getting a run of games; obviously Jarlath (O'Rourke) picked up an injury and that allowed me to step in and then it’s up to me to take that chance.
"Stephen (Baxter) said he never had any doubts about me; he said 'you've played that level for a reason’ and I think I’ve done enough to show what I can do."
The Crues are pushing for an automatic European place and are in the semi-finals of the Irish Cup.
McKeown produced a Man of the Match display against Glentoran in the quarter-finals nullifying Conor McMenamin on the day.
“I would never say it was a comfortable shift for me but Conor is a great player and I needed to show all my experience," he said.
“I've played against high level players in my time so I relied on that experience. We did some homework on him, he likes to cut inside as he has a good left foot. He didn't run behind me much which I am thankful about!
“I got tight to him and kept him as quiet as possible. He was still the one carrying a threat for them when he put balls into the box, but I thought our defence was stronger.
It's the north Belfast derby tonight for the Crues as they bid to close the gap on Cliftonville in the table.
McKeown is hoping to inflict more pain on Paddy McLaughlin's men after their Irish Cup exit last week.
“Cliftonville had a disappointing result last Saturday and I think the last place you want to come after a result like that is Seaview on a Monday night," he said.
“We’re looking forward to the North Belfast derby. We’re on a good unbeaten run and our tails are up and now.
“We have a semi-final to look forward to. Hopefully it will be a big finish to the season.”
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