Jake Robinson knows that he is waiting for another chance at Northampton Town that might never come, but after his match-winning wonder goal against MK Dons on Tuesday evening he hopes that he has made manager Aidy Boothroyd take notice.
It has not been an easy time for the 25-year-old forward since moving to Sixfields last summer. It was not even certain that he would still be here after the transfer window closed last Friday having being deemed surplus to requirements.
However, Robinson seized his moment after being handed a start in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy first round tie against the Dons. His 11th minute volley from 35 yards proved to be the difference between the sides, and must wait to see if he gets another chance.
"In an ideal world the manager says 'you've played really well so here's a chance in the league', but we all know that's not how it works in football, but I'll be ready,” said Robinson.
"I'm prepared for all eventualities and I'm waiting for a chance, whether that comes or not. If I have to play somewhere else, then I'm match fit and ready because I keep working hard.
“I'd love it to be here and I'd love to get another chance because I feel like I have come back this year a different player to last year.
“That goal probably shows that a little bit, and it's annoying for me because I feel really good and might not get a chance for another couple of weeks, but I'm keeping positive."
That strike was his first for the Cobblers, coming in his 36th appearance, and when he was substituted for fellow forgotten man Paul Turnbull in the 75th minute he was given a standing ovation.
Robinson thanked the fans for their backing over the past 14 months and now hopes that he will get another opportunity to show them what he is really capable of after that outing.
Whether or not he has done enough to force his way into the reckoning for Saturday’s League Two game at home to AFC Wimbledon remains to be seen, as he has yet to feature in a league match day squad so far this season.
Robinson said: "I came back knowing my chances were possibly going to be limited, but after pre-season went well I thought that I might have half a chance.
“The first game away at Rochdale, I was surprised not to be involved at all, but it's the gaffer's decision and since then the squad has done really well.
“They've scored goals and I'm not complaining about that, so why would you change a team that is doing well?
“I thought pre-season went well for me; I came back fit, strong, scored goals, played minutes and then it worked out I wasn't in the gaffer’s plans.
“What else could I do? I didn't change my attitude at all; I kept working hard, kept plugging away and doing the best that could help the team get results.
“It wasn't happening for me, but I'm not a player that's going to start sulking and venting my frustration. I just kept working hard and luckily I've got my chance.”
