Millwall’s FA Cup hero Shane Ferguson has said the feeling of sitting on the sideline last season has turned him into a better player.

The Northern Irishman is enjoying a successful spell in the Millwall side having started the last five games before coming off the bench to score both goals as the Lions came from behind to beat Hull on Sunday.

Ferguson, however revealed it was the stint on the sideline at the back-end of last season that has conjured his resurgence.

“I obviously knew what it’s like not to be playing,” said the 27-year-old.

"On Saturday’s you don’t want to be sitting in the stand watching your team mates play, so I work hard every game to try and stay in the team.

“I got the opportunity to be playing again and didn’t want that feeling again- being out of the team.”

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The attacker missed close to three months through injury at the start on 2018, and such was the form of the side when he returned, game time was limited.

He admitted it was a difficult position to be in.

“It was obviously a tough year last year.

“But I came back in pre-season, worked hard and I'm thankful to the manager for giving me an opportunity to come in and try and effect the team as much as I can.

“Results weren’t the best at the start of this season and the manager wanted to try something new.

“It’s tough, but you want to be supportive for your team mates as well because they’ve got a job to do and you don’t want to make it difficult for everyone else so you just keep your head down and work hard.”

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The general census is that Ferguson was rested and not dropped for the FA Cup third round as Jiri Skalak was given game time to prove his worth.

Despite only entering the fray on 65 minutes, Ferguson stole the headlines with his superb brace and he says it’s a competition the players want to do well in.

“It’s massive for us, we love going on those runs, playing at the biggest stadiums and testing ourselves against the best players, so we are obviously delighted. But it was important to carry on the run we’re on for our confidence.

Speaking of potential fourth round opponents there was no surprised who Ferguson wanted.

“Going back to Newcastle would be nice, but we’ll see.

“A lot of people will want West Ham, but I just get excited watching it seeing your team get pulled out.”