Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton has admitted he considered leaving the club in the January transfer window.
The 32-year-old has been restricted to just eight appearances in the Premier League in the last two seasons, compared to 35 in the 2016/17 campaign.
The arrival of Joe Hart from Manchester City last summer - as well as the performances of Nick Pope - have added stiff competition for the number one spot at Turf Moor and after struggling to cement a starting position, Heaton was left questioning his future.
"It was difficult day-to-day. You're dealing with the frustration that you want to play, you feel like should be playing, and that's certainly how I and I pretty much know that's how the boys felt," he told Sky Sports.
"However, I think I focused on the fact that I wanted to be better the next time the opportunity arose.
"Coming into the January window before I was in the team it was certainly uncertain for me whether it would be here or elsewhere if I'm honest, just because of that drive to play, that's what gets me out of bed in the morning."
However, Heaton has recently returned to the first eleven, starting all four of Burnley's previous matches in the Premier League, something which has seen him enjoy his football again.
"The focus had always been on being better the next time it (the opportunity to play) came round," he added.
"I put the work in, I felt in great shape, I feel in great shape now and I'm delighted to be back out there and even happier that it's at this club."
Burnley take on on a Manchester United side on Tuesday who have won all eight of their matches so far under caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Norwegian is someone Heaton is very familiar with having played together during his early days at OId Trafford, and his incredible start has not shocked the Burnley 'keeper.
"I know him very well. He was an incredible player, an incredible finisher, was difficult to face in training and a very good man. He's certainly got that strength of character to manage a club like Manchester United.
"I've been really impressed but not surprised with the upturn in form that they've had. You could see the quality when I was there towards the end of my time at the club.
"You could see the ideas, the understanding, players wanting to play for him so I'm not surprised at all that he's had a big effect."