Robbie Savage won 39 Wales caps between 1995 and 2005
Derby County midfielder Robbie Savage says he answered his critics with his performance in the FA Cup clash with local rivals Nottingham Forest.
Rams boss Nigel Clough hailed the 34-year-old as his man of the match in the Rams 1-1 fourth round tie on Friday.
Savage told BBC East Midlands Today: "It was nice to be involved again after six months of wasting my career.
"I've got a new lease of life under the new manager - if I'm in the squad I'm just happy with that."
Savage added: "I've got to realise I'm 35 this year I don't think I'll play every game now until the end of the season. I've just got to play when I'm right."
The former Wales international, who claims he was frozen out by former manager Paul Jewell, said he was happy to get back into the Rams first team.
"The other night [Friday] felt great and I've not felt like that for a long time - I've just never been given the opportunity.
"The manager [Paul Jewell] said you won't be playing in my starting 11. I kept working hard but it just wasn't going to happen.
"I've lost six months of my career... if Nigel hadn't come in I wouldn't have worn a Derby shirt ever again."
Savage said he was enjoying life at Pride Park life under Nigel Clough.
"Training's fantastic, there's a new buzz about the place and I'm sure he'll be a huge success.
"I hope he's here a long, long time after I'm gone and takes this football club back where it belongs.
"I let a lot of people down last year, none more than myself playing in the poorest team I've played in in the Premiership but I've come back refreshed."
Derby will face a replay their FA Cup fourth round clash at the City Ground on 4 February.
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