Manchester City defender John Stones is happy to be enjoying his football again.
The defender is currently keeping Aymeric Laporte out of the City side after grabbing an early-season opportunity.
Stones said: "I feel great. I am just trying to help the team as much as I can and grab my opportunity when I am on the pitch and contribute as much as I can to the team.
"I am thoroughly enjoying every moment when I am out there with the team in every competition. I feel fit and ready to fight for everything we play in."
He puts his revival down to a renewed determination fuelled by a desire to regain his place.
"It makes you realise how hard you have worked and that the hard work is paying off," he said of his return to the side. "'It makes you realise how special it is to be out there and also to realise that when other players aren't playing, how they feel and what you should do for them when you are on the pitch.
"There are a lot of aspects you can look at but it is something you cannot take granted. There are always twists and turns and you have got to grab it with both hands and enjoy it and that is what I am doing. I am really enjoying my football.
"I think I have learnt who I am as a player. I have learnt a lot of things football-wise as a person as well.
"It always makes it easier when you are winning and keeping clean sheets but I am just trying to move in the right direction and to keep trying to become better as a player and as a team."
