HULL City goalkeeper David Stockdale says it is a "relief" to be playing first-team football again after a frustrating time at Fulham.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper, who joined the Tigers on loan initially until January, has been thrust straight into the team by manager Steve Bruce after a dip in confidence and form by fellow loan signing Ben Amos.
Featuring in City's last five games, the shot-stopper's stock has continued to rise with a number of assured displays, culminating in his second clean sheet in the 2-0 win against Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
Without a first team appearance at Fulham for 10 months, Stockdale jumped at the opportunity to come to the KC and has pledged to maintain his form for as long as his deal lasts.
He told the Mail: "It's just a relief, to be honest, to be playing again. I'll try and play well and keep it going up to that Blackpool game.
"It's one of the worst positions. You don't come into football just to pick up money – I didn't anyway. It's not about money for me. It's about playing.
"I was knocking on Martin Jol's door every other week, not because Mark Schwarzer was playing bad, just because I want to play football.
"There's only so much you can do and he agreed to let me come out here."
Initially on loan from the west London side until January 1, City are keen to keep hold of Stockdale until the end of the season, a deal which has now been given the green light by Fulham manager Martin Jol.
With Schwarzer firmly installed as his preferred choice, the Dutch boss has told Stockdale he will be allowed to stay at City as long as his number one avoids injury.
"As long as Mark is fit he will stay there," said Jol.
"We have a recall clause and if necessary we will get him back. If not, then he will stay there."
