Scott McDonald admits he was not too concerned during his Middlesbrough dry spell this season.
The Australian striker scored just one goal between the start of the Championship campaign and the first of November but has responded in style with five in his last seven.
During the barren run, McDonald says he remained positive and continued to work hard and was confident that the goals would begin to roll in with a bit of patience.
"My all-round game was fine - I was setting up goals and we were winning games.
"Of course you want to score goals when you're a striker but, as you get older, you realise that that's not the only thing you have to do for the team.
"By doing those other things it is recognised by both your team-mates and manager and it is appreciated.
"If they're all happy with what you're doing for the team, then as you're working hard anyway, you will get your opportunities in front of goal.
"But I do have to thank the gaffer for keeping his faith in me and not listen to other people telling him to leave me out for not scoring.
"It's starting to all take off now and hopefully I can start putting a few more goals away.""I wasn't that concerned," he said after scoring in Saturday's 3-2 win at Cardiff City.
