David Healy assured David Walsh that he would get his chance at Linfield and the Blues boss has proved true to his word.
The 22-year-old, who was named the NI Football Writers' Player of the Month for December, has had to bide his time to get a regular start between the sticks at Windsor Park.
Walsh revealed he had spoken to his manager about his opportunities in a Linfield shirt with Healy promising that it would come.
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And Healy has proved good to his word as Walsh has now replaced long-time number 1 Chris Johns in goal and he has grasped the opportunity with both hands.
Four clean sheets last month not only helped Walsh secure the Player of the Month gong but also helped the Blues move 12 points clear at the top of the Premiership following their 3-0 win over Carrick Rangers on Saturday.
"I'd spoken to the manager a couple of times about wanting to play and he just said 'your time will come' and thankfully it has," the Linfield custodian told BBC Sport. "It's good to win personal stuff but it's more about the team and what we can win at the end of the season.
"If someone had said at the start of the season we would be 12 points clear we'd have bitten your arm off. With boys coming in we'll hopefully go from strength to strength between now and the end of the season."
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