Jairo Riedewald says he is eager to get his Crystal Palace career back on track with an extended run in the side.
The utility player was signed for £7.9m by former manager Frank de Boer in July 2017 and has seen little game time under Roy Hodgson.
But he made a rare appearance by coming on at half-time for makeshift left-back Jeffrey Schlupp who suffered a hip injury.
The 23-year-old impressed in helping Palace keep a clean sheet in a battling goalless draw at Watford and is now hoping to keep his place.
“I am disappointed we went away without the win but I’m happy with the minutes I played in the second-half,” he said to Palace TV.
“For me, I just like to play football. Whenever I’m on the pitch I give my all, whether I’m playing or not playing, for me I’m always showing up for training and giving the best I can.
“The manager noticed it and he talk to me about my competition and I’m very happy at this club. I’m in a good place and the team is helping me and always talking positive to me. Hopefully there is more minutes for me this season.”
With first-choice left-back Patrick van Aanholt out with a hamstring strain, his compatriot could start against Brighton next week if Schlupp fails to recover.
After his first Premier League appearance since April 2018, Hodgson hailed Riedewald’s professionalism.
“Of course he has been frustrated, but he’s been a superb professional,” Hodgson said. “He comes in all the time, gets on with his work and never ever complains. He doesn’t sulk or show he is particularly unhappy, but of course he is frustrated. Anyone would be.
“When you then don’t get a chance to play in the position you thought you were coming to play in, because the manager changes and decides he wants other people, it must be frustrating, but I have to take my hat off to him.”