Sheffield Wednesday striker Jordan Rhodes has admitted he was frustrated by his lack of action at Middlesbrough.
The 26-year-old joined the Owls on loan until the end of the season on transfer deadline day.
Scotland international Rhodes only started two games for Boro this season and had not featured since 14 December.
"I love playing football and it's all I've ever wanted to do. When you can't do that on a Saturday afternoon, it hurts," he told BBC Radio Sheffield.
"You can feel quite distant from the game and I've tried to keep myself ticking over both physically and mentally.