Nico Yennaris insists that sheer belief turned him from a player likely to be released by Brentford into one of the first names on Dean Smith's team-sheet.
Just 12 months ago, Yennaris made only his second Championship appearance for the Bees at Derby since joining the club in January 2014 and was playing at right back.
However, much like his first appearance in the second tier at Charlton playing at left back, Brentford were a shambles that day and the former Arsenal man was tagged as a jack of all trades, master of none.
Fast forward 12 months later and the 23-year-old has made a position in the centre of midfield his own as well as proving himself to be an excellent right back.
He reflected: “It's just sheer belief. If you ask a staff member here I've always said I know my own ability.
“It was all about being given the chance and getting a run of game. It's hard for a player to come in and miss 10 as you can't get a run of form together.
“People may not understand and consider you as a footballer who should do it but we're human beings.
“Like anyone, it'll take time to find your feet. I didn't get a run of games to get a run of form together. The belief in my own ability has never changed and I always said I'd get that run of games.”
Neither Mark Warburton, nor Marinus Dijkhuizen were prepared to give Yennaris that chance in the Championship but Lee Carsley was.
The midfielder had worked with the former Everton man with the development squad and Yennaris knew he had a man in charge with a favourable imperssion of him.
“I'm forever grateful to Lee,” he added. “When I wasn't in the squad with Marinus I was with Lee and he knew about me before so for him to take over, alarm bells were ringing as I thought it might be my chance as everyone sees it with managers who know players they give them a chance.”
Having been given that opportunity by Carsley, there was a chance that Dean Smith could look elsewhere and Yennaris was concerned that he may not be in the new head coach's plans.
The midfielder explained: “When he first came in, it was a fresh start for everyone. The boys who weren't playing saw it as a new start and the boys who were playing saw it as having to prove themselves again.
“The gaffer had watched the team and knew about us. I played about four games and then was out of the team. I had to work had and get back in the team and I've kept my place ever since.”
