Hamza Bencherif was happy with his return to first team action in Saturday’s FA Cup with Budweiser clash.
The defender impressed alongside Gary Liddle at the heart of defence, despite being limited to very little football this term.
Prior to the 1-1 draw with Rotherham, the 24-year-old had appeared only five times in 2012.13, many of those appearances being limited substitute appearances.
Bencherif was handed an opportunity following Dean Leacock’s one-game suspension and was fully prepared to make the most of his opportunity.
He told Magpie Player: “When you’re on the sidelines, you’re always a bit bitter, because you want to play.
“I’ve been told to step up and I was happy with how I reacted, especially after coming back after a long period of not playing.
“There was lots come into it, such as playing in a position that I haven’t played in a very long time, so it was a good start.”
He continued: “We’ve got a really competitive squad of players – quality players – and whatever position we have to fight.
“The healthy competition is good for all the players and even if people are missing we can still compete with other teams.
“I know how football is and I know that we’re getting to a really, really tough period.
“December, January, February and the end of the season and bodies start getting tired and injuries start coming in, so everyone has to be 100 per cent and prepared to step up.”
For the full interview, sign in to Magpie Player.