Midfielder Samir Nabi bagged his third goal in two reserve outings on Tuesday afternoon when he scored the second goal in a 2-0 victory over Morecambe.
We spoke to him about the game and about the importance of using the bounce fixtures to show the manager that he’s ready to go, should he be needed for first team action.
“It was a good game to be involved with and there was the fact that I needed the minutes that made it important as well,” he said. “I enjoy playing football so I look forward to every game, whatever competition it is. Hopefully I’ll keep getting these chances and then I can stake a claim for the first team.
“It was good to get the goal but it was one of those days where I probably could have had three or four. That was frustrating, but I’m happy that I was on the scoresheet again. I got a couple against Gateshead and that was one where I was building up my pitch time with a start and a consistent performance. I think I did that and now I just need to keep going.”
Having missed out at the start of the season through injury, he told us: “Picking up the injury was frustrating because it meant I had to catch up again for a while. As we were going into the last pre-season game I told myself not to get injured, but it ended up happening.
“I came out of that rehab spell feeling fitter and stronger so these are the games now where I have to show that I’m ready to get into the team. It’s been nice to have fans on social media asking when I’ll start, it feels good to see that, and I know what I’m capable of doing. All I can do now is work hard and it’s then a case of waiting to get minutes in the league.”
“It is frustrating waiting for that because at the end of the day I’m a footballer and I want to play,” he continued. “The good thing is that there’s light at the end of the tunnel and I know the chance will come. That’s why I have to be ready for when it does.
“These games are my FA Cup and Champions League finals because they’re my opportunity to show that I'm ready. I definitely feel that I’m getting closer and I think I’m showing that I can score goals, be a threat and create chances.
“When I came off the bench against Morecambe in the Checkatrade I had two chances I would normally score, so the more minutes I play the sharper I’ll get. That’s why I don’t get frustrated if I’m playing in the reserves because it’s all about getting yourself ready to take the chance with the first team when it does come along.”
Click HERE to watch an interview with Samir Nabi on iFollow United now.
