BRETT Pitman believes the realisation of no longer being one of the first names on the team-sheet helped him seize his chance following his recall.

Striker Pitman played his part in back-to-back victories over Charlton and Reading after starting in the Championship for the first time since March.

The 26-year-old earned rich praise from boss Eddie Howe for his efforts against the Addicks before netting a finely-taken double in the midweek win over the Royals.

Either side of a spell at Bristol City, Pitman missed just three out of 106 league games under Howe in the bottom two divisions and led the goal charts during their promotions in 2010 and 2013.

But the Jersey-born hitman, the club’s fifth-highest all-time leading goalscorer, has been used sparingly since Cherries returned to the second flight.

Pitman, drafted in due to Yann Kermorgant’s suspension, said: “The club has evolved no end over the past few years and, as a player, if you stand still, you get left behind.

“It is always frustrating not playing but it is something I have got better at dealing with over the years. I have worked hard and seen it as a challenge to get fitter and stronger and I think it has paid off. I have worked hard in the gym and on the training pitch.

“Over the past year or so, I have realised I am not guaranteed to play every week and you can either sulk and throw your toys out of the pram or you can get your head down and work hard.

“I think maybe that has hit home more than anything this season. Sulking isn’t going to do me or the team any good so I have tried to be a good team-mate when I haven’t played and have worked hard to try to stay in the team when I have.

“It is nice to score goals and nice to get a couple of starts. I have had to be patient because Yann and Callum have been playing well and have deserved to have kept their places. Yann’s misfortune has led to me getting a chance and, hopefully, I have taken it in the past couple of games.”

Pitman, who will be hoping to keep his place when Cherries visit Birmingham tomorrow, also believes becoming a father for the second time has helped. Partner Clare gave birth to daughter Millar in August – just two days after Howe’s wife Vicky had given birth to their second son, Rocky.

“It is really hands-on with two children!” said Pitman. “She has been brilliant apart from not sleeping particularly well at night. She is a beautiful girl and being a father gives you a focus on the pitch. I think it has helped me in terms of my football and I am taking more responsibility.”