Zat Knight insists he never considered asking away from Aston Villa as he battled to win back a first team place.
"It has been very frustrating for me but I have never had a reason to knock on the gaffer's door because the team has been doing so well," said Knight.
"If I had knocked I would have probably had it slapped back in my face.
"The team has done tremendous and it has been nice for me to come in and fill Martin Laursen's boots and keep our run going.
"He is going to be missing for the next few games, and hopefully I can come in and do a good job.
"Everyone trains hard so that when you are called upon you are ready.
"It's more about the mental side as well, and I see myself as a seasoned pro now - I am better able to look after myself because you never know what will happen."