Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott never lost faith in his ability as he battled for a start under manager Roberto Mancini.
Now his more recent displays in central defence have been enough to keep Kolo Toure out of the team.
"I feel my form is OK at the moment," he said. "I am grateful to be playing regularly now.
"In the early part of the season I wasn't playing as often as I would have liked but I knew I had to get my head down and work hard so I was ready when the chance came.
"It was just a question of keeping faith in my own ability.
"I have never doubted myself in any way. The position I was in could have affected my confidence but I was determined not to let that happen."
Click here for the No1 coverage of all the gossip and transfer news around Manchester City.