Leicester City striker Martyn Waghorn thanked the fans and his team-mates for the rapturous ovation he received after scoring his first goal of the season in Saturday's 6-0 demolition of Ipswich.
The England Under-21 international has produced some excellent displays recently after finally being able to regain his match-fitness following a year-long battle after a hamstring injury, but that vital first goal had eluded him.
However, he scored the fifth goal against the Tractor Boys and was mobbed by nearly every one of his team-mates. He was then given a standing ovation by the City crowd when he was substituted towards the end.
"It was really nice and I am thankful to the boys for that," said Waghorn.
"It is the team-ethic we have got. We work hard for each other and believe in each other. We give 100 per cent and that shows what a good team spirit we have got, and that will help us during the season.
"I thank the fans for that as well. It has been a hard year while I have been out, trying to get back playing, so it is nice for the fans to appreciate that. Hopefully, I can keep doing it."
Waghorn said he was relieved to finally get his first goal after going close in the last few games, but said he was always confident he would get on the scoresheet.
"It has been a long time coming," he said.
"When I hit the post in the second half I was thinking, 'oh no, not another one'. But now one has gone in and, hopefully, I can get on a bit of a roll and get a few more.
"I was never worried because I back myself to score in every game. I work hard for the team and, as long as the boys are getting the results, then that is the main thing.
"Personally, I wanted to score and, once I am off the mark, I believe in myself to go on and get a few more.
"I didn't feel cool and I was a bit nervous when the chance came. I thought I was off-side at first when Kingy (Andy King) played it through. I was waiting for the whistle, but it didn't come so I tried to take it early and catch the keeper off guard. I am happy it went in.
"If I am in front of goal, I won't shy away from having a shot just because I haven't scored. Now I want to score a few more and help the team challenge for promotion."
