Darron Gibson has admitted the last week has been a tough physical test.
After not being involved in a first-team game for two months, the Manchester United midfielder started three times in eight days as the Red Devils' major injury problems began to take their toll.
Gibson has responded to the challenge, scoring both goals to overcome Tottenham in the Carling Cup, adding another in the weekend rout of West Ham at Upton Park and then producing a towering midfield display in Germany as United topped their Champions League group by beating Wolfsburg.
Although the 22-year-old is likely to find himself back on the substitutes' bench for tomorrow's Premier League clash with Aston Villa at Old Trafford, with Wolves also heading up the M6 on Tuesday, Gibson is guaranteed more action before the hectic Christmas period begins.
"From not playing at all to playing three games in a week is tough going," said Gibson.
"But the manager has shown enough trust in me and I feel I have taken my opportunities so far. Hopefully they keep coming.
"It is a difficult time for United at present.
"Obviously I don't like players being injured but it has given me a chance to prove myself."
Of the 14 players who missed the trip to Germany, only Nemanja Vidic, Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov will definitely be available to face Villa, which does little to ease a defensive injury crisis.
Michael Carrick is set to partner Vidic, with Darren Fletcher occupying the right-back berth as United look to keep the pressure on Chelsea, whose lead at the top was cut to two points last weekend.
After collecting his first winners' medal with United last season, when Sir Alex Ferguson's men won the Carling Cup, Gibson is eager to play a significant role in more success as he tries to establish himself at Old Trafford.
"Manchester United is the best club in the world," he said.
"When you leave here there is only one way to go and that is down.
"As everyone knows, it is very difficult to make it at United but if you do it, you reap the rewards.
"Last season was my first real one at getting games so hopefully this year I will get a lot more because I am pushing a lot harder."
