I don't like sitting on the bench even when it was very rare at Hull to rest during cup games.
I don't need to practise. The only thing I need to do is build up my match fitness.
Any player over 40-50 games per season will have moments of fatigue, let alone a 22-year-old who has a lot to learn on how to control games and pace himself throughout 90 minutes.
When you don't play those big matches for a few years, it's tough to play back-to-back after that.
I have to work hard. I have to get fitness back. If I get game time - which is always different to training - I have to work hard on my game and get confidence again.
The only way you can get match fitness is by playing games.
Some people can get there in three or four games, some need eight or nine, but after 11 games, if you've been playing regularly, you're match-fit.
He is not injured. He's not fit. He's not fit to play football, unfortunately. He played in a reserve game the other day and I could have run about more than he did. I can't pick him.
I have found a flat on Merseyside and am settling down here. If I can keep playing and get back to full match fitness, I know I have a lot to offer still.
My quality on the ball will improve the more minutes I get in my legs because it works like that.
You can do as many sprints as you want but there's nothing like playing in a 90-minute soccer game. There's no better way to gain your fitness, in my opinion, than playing in consistent games.
It's always difficult not playing games and that match fitness and sharpness is something you always lack when you don't get that opportunity.
It is good for any footballer to get a run of games.
