Hibernian midfielder Dean Shiels has thanked manager Mixu Paatelainen for helping him revive an Easter Road career he feared was over.The 23-year-old Northern Irishman is back in favour at the Edinburgh club as they chase a place in the UEFA Cup next season.
Shiels was used sparingly by former boss John Collins and admitted he was considering a move elsewhere due to his frustration at a lack of action.
But the arrival of Paatelainen in January has seen an upturn in his fortunes and he is now playing a regular role in the club's battle to reach Europe.
Ahead of Saturday's crucial home meeting with St Mirren, Shiels said: "I do feel a different player under Mixu. I feel as if I've got a lot of freedom to play and get forward.
"He wants to get me into goal-scoring opportunities, get into the box to score goals and that's what I've been trying to do.
"I like to play anywhere along midfield or up front and, at the moment, we're not really restricted to one position when we're going forward.
"Obviously, each manager stamps his own mark on the team and has his different style.
"He's made a few signings that have been good for us, like big Colin Nish and Ian Murray. They have come in and done really well for us.
"I think he wants different things from different players and I'm enjoying playing under the gaffer."
This weekend could be a turning point in the race for Europe if Hibs beat St Mirren and their rivals, Dundee United and Motherwell, slip up against both sides of the Old Firm.
If that is the case, fifth-placed Hibs could erase the two-point gap to United and Well and jump into the coveted third spot.
Shiels, eager to atone for last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Fir Park, added: "Hopefully we can start early and put St Mirren under pressure to set the tone for the rest of the game.
"Last week we didn't get out of the traps at all and we paid for it, losing the early winning goal.
"It's important we get the three points but even if our rivals get results, we'll still be in a good position.
"As long as we keep winning and focus on each game at a time we'll be fine."
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