Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson singled out forward Lewis Alessandra after picking him for the first time on Monday.
Simpson gave him his chance in the 1-0 win over Mansfield after impressing in his attitude after being left out of the side.
“He has been really frustrated and I decided after the last game at Walsall that he was going to get his opportunity,” said Simpson.
“He was very unlucky when I first came in that I chose to go with Denno (Christian Dennis).
“I didn’t know a lot about either of them, it was literally a toss-up and I went with Denno because I saw him at Chesterfield, when my son Jake was there, and I’d seen him scoring goals.
“He scored a few, we won games, and Lewis has had to be really patient. I’ll give him his due, his attitude has been absolutely first-class from the day I walked in, even though he’s had that frustration of not playing.”
In a long career, which started in 2007 at Oldham, around the lower Leagues Alessandra is closing in on most appearances for Carlisle.
He did 86 at Plymouth and 82 at Morecambe and is currently on 76 for the Blues.
Simpson added: “I explained it to him early on why it was the case, and he took it on the chin. Monday I thought, do you know what, you’ve gone about your business so well you deserve your chance against Mansfield.
“In the game he worked his socks off, and even when he didn’t win headers he made it difficult for their defenders.
“For the goal he brought one down on his chest off Mark Howard’s kick before linking up with Danny to get Omari away and he thoroughly deserved his opportunity.”
Alessandra will be hoping he’s done enough to add more appearances to his 76 before the end of the season.
