Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips insists he is focused on earning a first-team place at Stamford Bridge.
The 25-year-old has made two starts and nine substitute outings this term with England boss Steve McClaren expressing concerns at his lack of football.
But Wright-Phillips told the club's official magazine, Chelsea: "I'm just getting on with it, getting my head down and working hard.
"I'm doing my extras, just so that when my opportunity comes, I'm ready."
He added: "I often stay behind after training and try to do a bit of everything really.
"Shooting, crossing, that kind of thing, the elements that are central to my game. It is frustrating, of course it is.
"But I always wanted to be a footballer and when you're a footballer you have to take the rough with the smooth. This is obviously a rough patch but it's down to me to make it smoother."
"I can't let my head drop. And if I can keep that mindset, my time will eventually come"
Wright-Phillips is putting a brave face on his lack of first-tem football since arriving at Chelsea from Manchester City in July 2005.
"People often ask how it affects my confidence but I can quite honestly say that it hasn't dented my confidence at all," he said.
"Yes, regular games help you get into your stride and can give you some much-needed rhythm.
"But it's not affected my self-belief. I've always believed in myself and what I can do.
"And that belief comes from the people I have around me, my mum, my dad, my brothers, my children, they all play their part. Despite what people might think, I'm feeling all right to be fair.
"The standard of players here at Chelsea speaks for itself. But at some time the tables have got to turn in my favour and that will only happened if I keep working hard, if I keep trying and believing.
"I can't let my head drop. And if I can keep that mindset, my time will eventually come."
The full interview with Shaun Wright-Phillips is in the December issue of the Chelsea magazine.