STEPHEN Quinn is at a loss how best to reflect on 2014 as a landmark year with Hull City draws to its close. It has been the best of times, it has been the worst of times.
Although the last 12 months can be remembered for starts in an FA Cup final and a Euro 2016 qualifier away to World Cup winners Germany, it has also been a spell tarnished by the frustration of irregular first-team football.
The past year has given Quinn more than he ever could have wished for but, somehow, still not enough.
The prospect of leaving the KC Stadium even crossed the midfielder's mind but as 2014 is ready to be filed as the year of giddy highlights, there are hopes 2015 can become Quinn's year of consistency.
"It's been up and down to be honest," he said when asked how the last year will be remembered.
"I had an injury and then I thought I might be out the door. Then I end up starting the FA Cup final and getting international caps against Germany and stuff.
"I thought I was out the door at Hull again but then I came back in and started games at the start of the season.
"It's been a bit indifferent but I hope to get a bit more consistency and get playing more regularly next year.
"I'd been enjoying the first part of this season when I was playing, starting to come into a little bit of confidence, so it was disappointing when I got left out for a spell.
"I got back in the team and then was out again. It's up to the manager how he wants to do it but I can only come in and do my bit for when he needs me.
"I'm always there, ready and waiting. I believe I contribute a lot to the team and I hope I can prove that by playing regular football."
That attitude is known to appeal to Bruce, who recently instigated talks over a two-year extension for Quinn. For all he has served up disappointment to the Irishman in these last 12 months, Quinn remains as dependable as any member of his squad.
Never was that more apparent than on May 17. Despite handing Quinn just four Premier League starts in the whole of last season, Bruce rewarded the midfielder for his goal in the semi-final against Sheffield United with a start against Arsenal. He let no-one down either, playing in a makeshift support role behind Matty Fryatt, before City eventually succumbed to an extra-time loss.
That famous day has perhaps since been eclipsed by exploits with the Republic of Ireland. A latecomer to the international stage, Quinn was handed his first competitive start versus Georgia and again away to Germany in a cherished 1-1 draw. Ten of his 12 caps have come in 2014.
In amongst those fixtures once beyond his wildest dreams there have been sores of irritation. Bruce has struggled to promise a regular place to the midfielder and an omission from City's first Europa League squad away to AS Trencin was known to have hurt badly.
Brighter days, though, are back again. Having reminded Bruce of his capabilities in the draws against Everton and West Brom this month, the absence of Tom Huddlestone and Mohamed Diame provides Quinn with a chance to enjoy a run of games into 2015.
The stakes could hardly be higher either. City's current standing of 19th requires swift action over the festive period but Quinn is not fazed by the Premier League table.
"Not really," he said. "We're coming up to halfway through and we've played well at times.
"We've been doing some video analysis this week and we've not been playing badly at all.
"It's maybe just parts of games where we've conceded when we shouldn't have.
"We're playing okay but we need results now. If that means winning ugly and not playing as well, then so be it. We just need wins and quickly.
"I wouldn't worry, though. I've been in this situation with Sheffield United before when we thought we were safe at this time but it can all change pretty quickly.
"There's not many points between the teams so a couple of wins could bring us right up to the top half."
Quinn was part of a Sheffield United side relegated from the top flight in 2006-07, the campaign when a Carlos Tevez inspired West Ham controversially escaped the drop.
"I'm not really thinking about going down or the differences," he added. "I made that comparison but it's not something on my mind. Going down doesn't come into my head.
"We've got enough here. We've shown that in certain games this year so if anything we'll be looking up the table and having a good Christmas period, which is vital.
"You need to keep clear of injuries and suspensions but we've got a strong squad. There's good lads here who are prepared to fight.
"I believe in the lads we've got and we've made some additions as well. We just need to produce as a team."
Today's visit of Swansea begins what Bruce has called the defining period in City's season. Three of the next four games are at the KC and the Boxing Day trip to fellow strugglers Sunderland will also offer a chance to make up lost ground in the Premier League. Quinn concurs the time has come to stand up and be counted.
"It is frustrating where we are but we need to dig in now and show a bit of character," he said. "We need to show a bit of grit and determination to see if we can start to get those results we think we're capable of. We'll see how we go over this next month."
