Flying wingman CJ Hamilton believes his confidence is beginning to increase after putting together a string of impressive first team appearances in recent weeks.
The 22-year-old joined Stags in the 2016 summer transfer window and immediately showed his potential with his blistering pace on the left wing.
After being involved in four games in the first month of the 2017/18 season, Hamilton didn't play a competitive minute until he was handed a start against Notts County in the Checkatrade Trophy last month.
The former Sheffield United man made his mark by scoring the winning goal at Meadow Lane and has since noticed an increase in self-confidence.
"[The Checkatrade Trophy] gives everyone an opportunity to show the gaffer why you should be in the team," Hamilton said.
"The gaffer sometimes makes a few changes and some of the boys that haven't been playing get into the team by playing in that competition, so it's good for everyone all round.
"[The goal] got my confidence up and it showed the gaffer and other people that I can do stuff week-in and week-out."
Hamilton's spell on the sidelines provided him with the opportunity to work hard on the training pitch and prove to boss Steve Evans why he deserves a place in the first team.
"Everyone is down when they are out of the side but you've got to take it on board and do the right things; get on the training ground, work hard and show why you should be in the team.
"[The goal] got my confidence up and it showed the gaffer and other people that I can do stuff week-in and week-out."
"I beat men alright but it's that final ball that's been 'killing me' the last couple of times, but I'm starting to get there now.
"The gaffer has always said he's always got my back and obviously it takes me to 'do it' myself."
Stags have six league matches between now and Christmas Day – four of which are at home – and Harrow-born winger Hamilton believes it's important to build momentum ahead of the Christmas period.
"The build up to Christmas is always important, you try and get as high as you can before the Christmas [period] and hopefully we can do that with the games coming up.
"It will be another tough game [against Stevenage]. Stevenage are another good team in this league, and you can never underestimate a team in this league.
"If the fans are as loud as they were at Coventry, then I feel confident we can get the three points on Saturday."
Supporters can view CJ Hamilton's full news conference by logging in to iFollow Stags.
