Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty agreed with manager Michael O'Neill's decision to leave him out of his starting line-up for the 4-0 World Cup qualifying victory over San Marino.
The 29-year-old, who is not playing regular first-team football for Norwich, was overlooked at Windsor Park as Charlton forward Josh Magennis led the line for the hosts.
But Lafferty made a huge impression after replacing Magennis in the 73rd minute, scoring either side of Jamie Ward's third to ensure Northern Ireland secured a fifth consecutive home win.
"I was disappointed not to play, but I understand Michael's decision,'' Lafferty told Sky Sports.
"I haven't been playing regular club football and if I was in Josh's shoes, Conor's [Washington] shoes or Wardy's shoes, I would be complaining as well.
"Michael made the right decision. I am not fit, and giving me the last 23 minutes was the right call. I was happy to get on the pitch and score two goals.''
Skipper Steven Davis, who opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 26th minute, was pleased with the result but admitted Northern Ireland need to improve in the final third heading into Tuesday's clash with world champions Germany.
"We moved the ball well in the first half, got ourselves in good positions, but the quality in the final third was lacking,'' Davis said.
"Second half we kept persevering, kept getting in good areas, our finishing could have been better but overall it was a good result and a good performance.''