Following the £9million arrival of Jordan Rhodes from Blackburn Rovers, experienced Middlesbrough striker Dave Nugent could have been forgiven for expecting a place on the substitutes bench from now until the end of the season.
Instead, whilst Rhodes is still finding his feet having scored just once for Boro since arriving in January, 30-year-old Nugent scored what could prove to be a pivotal goal in the title race for Aitor Karanka's side in a 1-0 victory over promotion rivals Hull City on Friday night.
The former Leicester City star and one-time England international scored late into added time with an expertly directed header into the bottom corner to the delight of his boss, who has endured a difficult week on Teesside.
The winner which was scored in the 91st minute, moves third-placed Middlesborough four points clear of the Tigers, and has them sitting a point behind second-placed Brighton & Hove Albion with a game in hand.
Nugent's attitude and vital experience in the Championship, where he netted 20 league goals in Leicester's title-winning campaign in the 2013/14 season, could be the turning point as the current campaign reaches its climax.
Check out Nugent's winner from 1:40 -