Imps midfielder Billy Knott believes that his growing maturity and endeavour on the training ground earned him his place back in the starting line-up last weekend against Luton Town.
Knott, who signed a one-year deal with the Imps over the summer, had only started away at Rotherham United in the Carabao Cup prior to Saturday's 0-0 draw with Luton Town.
The former Sunderland and Bradford City man is looking to build on his performance last weekend as City travel to Stevenage on Saturday.
"Of course it was good to get a start last Saturday because I was getting a little bit frustrated, and in years gone by I would probably have lost my head slightly. Danny and Nicky knew that knew I was doing everything right to get my place, and the way I was training was what they wanted from me." Knott said.
Knott replaced Jordan Maguire-Drew in the starting line-up and played out wide against the Hatters.
"I quite enjoyed playing out on the left, I haven't played there since I was 16 or 17, and there was still quite a lot of running." He added.
"Danny's spoken before about me playing in the '10' role, but it'll bring us something different as I'm not big or as aerial as Rheady, but I'll bring us some other qualities. It'll take time for me to fit into that role if the time came, but it would be another option."
Knott first came to Sincil Bank on loan in the second-half of last season, and became an instant hit with the Imps crowd.
After a full pre-season with the Cowleys, he feels that he has a lot more to offer than when he came on loan.
"When I first came it was early in pre-season, and it was important that I got that full pre-season behind me, as the fitness side was the main thing for me." The 24-year-old said.
"I'm reaping the benefits now going into Saturday's game and to feel great for 90 minutes now, instead of burning myself out after 60 minutes was the main reason the full pre-season helped. This is the real Billy Knott you're seeing now, not the half-fit one."
The Imps travel to the Lamex Stadium on the back of an away win in their previous match at Mansfield Town in the Checkatrade Trophy, where Knott unselfishly provided an assist for Matt Green to score his side's third in a 3-1 win.
Stevenage sit in second position and are unbeaten so far in this league campaign.
"There's a few things we've been working on, mainly their weaknesses, which we'll keep to ourselves!" Knott joked.
"They're a good team, and they'll be up there, so it'll be another tough test for us. If we stick to our game plan, I think we'll be successful."
