Stoke City midfielder Danny Pugh admits he benefited from his time on-loan at Preston North End.
Pugh has been playing at left-back for the Potters.
"It's pleasing to get a start, but it certainly spoilt it for me that we conceded such a late goal like that and ended up losing the game in that manner," Pugh told the Stoke website after defeat to Birmingham City.
"The important thing was going out on loan because that gave me some games and I have to thank Preston for that opportunity. The five games I played enabled me to get my match fitness and match sharpness back and I've managed to get a few more games since I've come back."
He added: "That has given me something which I need to build on, but I don't mind where I play as long as I get the chance to get out there on the pitch and play at this level.
"I've not played as many games in the first team as I would have liked, so it is crucial to make the most of an opportunity when one like this comes along."
