Manchester City winger Adam Johnson admits he has found recent substitute appearances "hard to take" - especially as he is in sizzling form.
The England international responded to his latest axe from the first-team with a match-winning goal off the bench in City's 2-1 Premier League victory over Newcastle last weekend.
He is currently on international duty with England, who will attempt to record a third successive Euro 2012 qualification victory over Montenegro when the teams meet on Tuesday night.
The prospect of an away fixture at Blackpool then awaits on Sunday, and Johnson is hoping he has done enough to earn a place back in Roberto Mancini's starting XI.
"I was very disappointed to lose my place after I was man of the match against Blackburn and I haven't started a Premier League game since," he told the Manchester Evening News.
"That is hard for me, but we have a great squad here and the manager makes the decisions - you just have to deal with them.
"The competition for places is tough. We have world-class players and the big signings who have come in have made it even harder, but I am prepared for the fight."
Johnson has responded to his demotion by scoring the equaliser when handed a start in the Europa League draw with Juventus last week, and then coming off the bench to grab a winner against Newcastle.
He added: "I have been playing well, and my form hasn't dropped at all, so I am just looking forward to a start.
"Coming on and scoring against Newcastle was magnificent.
"The fans were singing my name to come on sooner, which is nice."
