MAX WATTERS says the confidence he lost after being sent off last month has been restored by netting the winning goal for Barnsley in their 4-2 derby success over Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old, who joined on loan from Cardiff City for the rest of the season in January, got his first Reds goal against Cambridge United but was dismissed in the same game.
He served a three-match ban, during which he picked up a toe injury.
Watters has so far started three games and come off the bench seven times.
He netted a second goal in midweek, making it 3-2 to the Reds before Liam Kitching added a fourth.
He told the Chronicle: “I was disappointed (with the red card) but it’s part of football.
“It knocked my confidence a little bit.
“But you have to forget about it and move on. This goal has helped me out with my confidence. It’s a real good confidence boost getting a goal, especially in front of the home fans.”
Watters’ winner followed fellow substitute Slobodan Tedic coming off the bench to net the only goal at Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.
Devante Cole and James Norwood have been the regular starters up front.
Watters said: “It shows that coming off the bench is just as important as starting. Credit to Nors and Coley for running their legs off in the first 60 to 80 minutes which made it easier for us to get in behind.
“It’s really tough to get into a team that is doing well. Nors and Coley are absolutely smashing it at the moment. I am happy for them. I am happy I can come off the bench and impact the game.”
Barnsley went 2-0 up against Wednesday who levelled before conceding twice more late on.
“It’s a really good feeling in the changing room. Everyone is over the moon.
“We got off to a good start but a team like Sheffield Wednesday were always going to come back. But we stayed in it and got a few goals at the end.
“I can’t remember much about my goal. A few of the lads said it was a bit of a scuff but I am not too sure.”
