Ilmari Niskanen admits his lack of action for Dundee United has given him food for thought.
However, the tireless wide-man has vowed to fight for his place at United.
Niskanen, 24, is yet to start a single match in 2022/23, with his six appearances all coming from the bench and totalling just 168 minutes.
He has not featured in any of the three matches overseen by interim head coach Liam Fox.
With fierce competition with Aziz Behich and Scott McMann for a left wing-back berth — his long-term future at Tannadice must be considered in doubt.
“The season has not gone according to plan,” rued Niskanen. “Both in terms of results for the team and in terms of my own expectations.
“I have played little if you compare to last season.
“It has also made me think.
“We had a change of coach and we will see who will replace him — or if the current assistant coach (Fox) will continue as head coach.
“Neither (Ross or Fox) said any reason (for the lack of minutes).
“We have a tough competitive situation for my position and quality players. Every day, I always work hard to get invited back to the starting lineup.”
What could be better
Nevertheless, Niskanen has retained his place in the latest Finland squad for the upcoming Nations League showdowns against Romania (September 23) and Montenegro (September 26).
The energetic wing-back has started three of his country’s last six internationals and is set to add to his 10 senior caps.
“It’s always a great feeling when the invitation comes,” Niskanen told palloliitto.fi. “It is a great honour to represent Finland and we have tough and important games ahead of us.
“The matches in June were weak in terms of results and now we have two big games ahead of us.
“We get to play at the Olympic Stadium under the evening lights, so what could be better than that?”
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