MATT Kilgallon's frustration was plain for all to see – not once but twice.

There was the moment when his joy at apparently firing City in front against Northampton instantly crumbled at the sight of the assistant's flag raised for offside.

Then there was the late, late cavalry charge when his low cross from the left failed to pick out the gaggle of claret and amber shirts waiting hopefully in front of goal.

Last Saturday was a tough day at the Valley Parade office and nobody felt that more keenly than the experienced defender.

But once the disappointment over another poor result subsided, Kilgallon had the considerable consolation of still being involved in the thick of City's promotion battle.

He remains a central figure in the bid to maintain top-six progress – a far cry from this time 12 months ago.

It is almost a year to the day that Kilgallon tore a pectoral muscle against Millwall, an injury that needed surgery and would keep him out until the final league game.

That sealed a difficult first season at the club for the 34-year-old defender, who had been waiting for his opportunity to come along.

So he is relishing every moment of regular first-team combat this time around.

Kilgallon said: "It happens in football. You can play every game one season and then next time you just keep picking up niggles and injuries.

"If you actually look at it, if I'm out it's usually a bad injury. I'm not a 'niggly' person who picks up little things.

"But I can understand people saying that I'm out to prove a point. I waited a long time for my chance last season and then I got a freak injury which virtually ruled me out for the rest.

"People were looking at me thinking 'you're new to the club and you don't play'.

"I'd be the same if I was a fan, wondering 'where is he?' It was so frustrating for me as well not playing.

"I wanted to help the team and knew I could do a job but I had to be patient. You've just got to stay strong and fit and be ready.

"Hopefully now I can give a bit back to the club and play well. That's what I'm trying to do at the minute and want to keep doing."

Kilgallon has been arguably City's most consistent performer, defying those who felt he would not be up to playing so often after missing so much of last season.

Stuart McCall gave him a breather at Fleetwood on New Year's Day after playing two days before. Yet otherwise his name has been etched on the team sheet.

Kilgallon said: "People think you can't play when you get older – but here I am.

"The gaffer has been great with me. If I've had to miss a training session, he's always told me to rest and make sure I'm right.

"I'm really enjoying being involved and playing every week again.

"You need a big squad but it always seems to happen. Nobody will get injured and then all of a sudden there are six or seven. You're looking round and they've all gone.

"Others get the chance but the lads are working hard to be back fit and the sooner they do that, the better.

"It's a crucial time for the club, and hopefully we can bring a few in, but we'll see what happens."