Ryan Yates says his confidence has not wavered after coming in for criticism as he looks to improve and help Nottingham Forest climb the Championship table.
The midfielder has come in for flak from Nottingham Forest fans but has won plenty over more recently with a run of strong performances in a struggling side this season.
When asked if it was a positive for him to know he can win over any doubters he said he was focused on helping get Forest to where he feels they should be.
"I'm quite confident in myself. Everyone will have dips," he told Nottinghamshire Live.
"For me it's about staying on that even keel. I've had a few good games but I've not been spectacular.
"We're in the bottom half of the table. We're Nottingham Forest.
"We need to be in the play-offs or the top two. That's a no brainer.
"Personally, the more games I play the better I'll get."
At 22, Yates is the junior partner in Forest's batch of central midfielders as he vies with the more experienced group of Harry Arter, Jack Colback, Samba Sow, Cafu and Fouad Bachirou for his place.
Nonetheless, he has consistently impressed incoming managers with Martin O'Neill, Sabri Lamouchi and now Chris Hughton favouring him, despite criticism of his work from some fans.
Yates says the periodic wait to find out if he will stay in favour with the next manager is not something that troubles him.
Neither does having so many rivals for his place. Quite the opposite in fact.
"To be honest, I don't really think about it too much," he said.
"We didn't perform for Sabri obviously. I don't really care who comes in.
"I back my ability and think I'm good enough to have the shirt.
"This season I've played games and the more I play the more I progress.
"The competition definitely drives me on.
"I have to show qualities other players in that position don't.
"When I have the shirt I have to perform or other players will take my place. I like the competition.
"It gives me that nervous edge that I need. I know that if I don't play well I'm out of the team."
