I haven’t played too often lately but I’ve not been wasting my time.

It is easy to sit there and do nothing as a young player but I have had great support, particularly from my family, who have been driving me on to do better.

I’ve been going to the gym more, doing the right things, eating healthier and trying to be the best that I can be. I am there with that side of things now and need to put that into my performances and prove I can be in that starting XI.

It is the small percentages that add to the game. I want to get stronger, fitter and a bit bigger.

I have been focusing on that lately and trying to become a better player and better professional.

It was nice to be back last weekend, coming on at the break. Bradley Garmston went off with his hamstring and I got my chance.

The manager has said to me previously that when I get the chance, I just have to take it. I feel I did that quite well. We went on to win and when myself and Lofty came on, I think it had a positive effect on the boys.

I hadn’t played much for a while and was able to blow off some of the cobwebs.

It has been hard but that’s football and you just have to look past what is happening, push on, keep your head down and keep working hard. I feel I did that well and then a chance came up.

I am sure many footballers have been in the same situation. I am still young – I’m only 22 – and it is one of those things that happens in football. You need to take it on the chin and keep moving forward.

Brad experienced the same at the start of the season, what I have just been through and it is a good battle for us in that left-back position. We both thrive off it and there is no animosity between us.

Read the full column in Friday's Medway Messenger