Jack Hinshelwood expressed his delight at being back in action Brighton after dialing in his European victory against FK Kauno Zalgiris on Thursday night.
The midfielder marked his comeback with a goal as the Seagulls overcame a stubborn Lithuanian side, with Georginio Rutter also finding the back of the net.
Hinshelwood praised his team-mates for their patience and admitted he had lost interest during Brighton’s impressive recent run of form.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Hinshelwood explained what it meant to be back on the pitch representing his boyhood club.
“It’s nice to be back with the boys,” he said.
“They’ve been on such a good run, and I’ve really missed that, so to come back tonight, fight for that badge that I love to do is the biggest thing tonight.”
Brighton were made to work for a result against Kauno Zalgiris, who frustrated the home side for long periods.
However, Rutter produced a moment of quality to break the deadlock before turning provider for Hinshelwood.
“Clean play at Kauno Zalgiris, they came and made it difficult for us,” added the midfielder.
“We had to be patient and I think we did well. Georginio (Rutter) with a great goal and then to set me up he did really well too.
“I think it was a really professional performance, we had to work for it, but it was a job well done today.”
The Brighton midfielder focused on continuous improvement
Despite Brighton’s positive start to the campaign, Hinshelwood insisted the squad are not getting carried away with their recent results.
Instead, the midfielder believes the focus should be on developing as a team, with another important game coming up on Sunday.
“I think the manager talked about it, we just want to keep getting better,” he said.
“What happened in the past is gone now and we have to look to the future, to keep improving and developing. It starts again on Sunday with another massive game.”