Peterborough United captain Micah Hyde admits he was relieved to be named in manager Darren Ferguson's starting line-up at Milton Keynes on Saturday.
Hyde, 33, was handed only his second start of the season in Posh's 2-1 win over the Dons.
He told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "I was happy to play because I haven't been happy to be sitting and watching.
"I've been patient, but I've been unhappy at the same time because I want to play every week."
Hyde had made just three appearances for Posh this season prior to Saturday's match.
Dean Keates, Charlie Lee, Paul Coutts and Hyde have each been battling it out for the two central midfield spots.
Hyde was a virtual ever present for Posh last season making 38 league appearances, and admits he has been frustrated at his lack of first-team opportunities so far this term.
"Captaining the team last season, getting out of League Two and then not to be playing, it's a bitter pill to swallow," Hyde said.
"I'm a professional and I get paid to be a professional, the manager picks the team."
The experienced midfielder joined Posh from Burnley in 2007, and has played at every level of the Football League pyramid.
But despite his lack of first-team action so far this season, Hyde is refusing to be too down beat.
"I'm a winner, I've always been a winner in my career, I won't be moping around," he said.
"Hopefully the team will win whatever players are put out.
"We all need to support the club and that's what I intend to do."
Bookmark with:
What are these?