Hartlepool United manager Danny Wilson has praised goalkeeper Jan Budtz for his display in the goalless draw with Yeovil Town on Saturday.
Budtz, 29, came into the team in place of the suspended Aaran Lee-Barratt and Wilson was delighted with the Dane after his long spell out of the side.
"He's come in and done fantastic, he's dominated the box and he's a calming influence," he told BBC Tees.
"I thought he played very well today and it's done him a power of good."
Budtz's last appearance for Pools came in a 1-0 defeat by Northampton Town in February of this year, while Lee-Barratt remains suspended for the next two games against Hereford and Southend.
The satisfaction of a point gained at Victoria Park was off-set by the loss of midfielder Ritchie Jones and striker Joel Porter to injury.
Both look likely to miss next weekend's trip to Hereford United but Wilson has backed his fringe players, including striker Michael Mackay, to plug the gaps.
"Sometimes lads knock on the door and say 'Why am I not playing?' and this is their opportunity," Wilson added.
"When players are missing as they are then the opportunity comes their way and they've got to take it with both hands.
"It's no use not taking it and then bemoaning that they're not in the side.
"Come in, do the job, and the decision will be made after that whether who has been left out can get back in.
"They've got to make it as difficult as possible for those players."
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