Stephen Dobbie admits he is working a little harder away from the pitch in a bid to impress Paulo Sousa

The Swansea City striker says that he is trying to force his way back into the starting line up at the Liberty Stadium after injury sidelined him and - by his own admission - he rushed back in a bid to get back into the team

Speaking to the Evening Post, Dobbie said "It was very disappointing to pick up that injury. I was playing quite well and scored a few goals, so the injury was a blow

"I showed some glimpses of promise before that and I was happy with the way I was performing.

"I had to watch the boys play while I was injured and there's nothing worse as a footballer.

"I was itching to get back and maybe I rushed back for the QPR game. I felt as if I was ready to start. But at half-time I felt I was a wee bit off the pace.

"It was a risk and I wanted to get back as quickly as possible, but QPR was too soon for me.

"It always takes a few games to get back to full fitness after you've been out for a while, and I can see the light now.

"You want to be playing every week, and when you're not it is hard to deal with," said Dobbie. "Sometimes it is depressing because you are not doing the job you are paid for. But the hard work starts on the training ground and that's where you change the manager's mind.

"When you are not in the squad people start asking why you are not involved.

"But we play with one up top and there is strong competition for places up front. The system we are playing at the moment is working. We are creeping up the table, but if he goes to 4-4-2 then there is space for another striker.

"But it depends on how the game is going.

"I've always played alongside a big man — that's the way I've been brought through — but it is a new test for me and I'm adjusting to it.

"But if we did go two up front then we'd be sacrificing someone in midfield, and the way we keep the ball suits us.

"Craig has scored a few in the last couple of games. We played against each other in youth football quite a lot, so I know all about his talent.

"He has pace and is a good finisher — his goals have helped us a lot recently.

"But I'm doing my best to get back into the starting line-up.

"I have been working that bit harder in the gym and on the training pitch to return fully fit. I had to get my fitness up and feel sharp again, so the reserve games came in handy.

"You put the work in during these games and it does pay off in the end.

"It's a long season though and you have plenty of chances to make up for it."

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