Ross County midfielder Rafa De Vita is targeting more goals as he aims to grasp the opportunity of a prolonged run in the Staggies side.
De Vita came off the bench to net the winner in County’s 1-0 Scottish Cup win against Dunfermline on Tuesday, sending Jim McIntyre’s side into the fifth round where they will face either Forfar or Linlithgow Rose.
The wide midfielder played a pivotal role in helping County avoid relegation last season, helping his side win 10 of the last 14 matches, with De Vita netting three goals.
The Italian has not enjoyed as smooth a start to this season, however, making just 10 starts, with his campaign disrupted by injury.
The goal against the Pars in midweek was only De Vita’s second strike of the season but the 28-year-old is eager to find the net more regularly to help convince McIntyre he is worthy of more playing time.
He said: “It’s been a while, so I’m hoping to get a few more goals. I’ve not chipped in with many so far, so I need to get more.
“No one wants to live in Inverness and not be playing football but there’s nothing I can complain about. If I come on and score in every game I’ll probably start every week, so it’s up to me.
“I’m always going to get chances. I just have to get a couple of games in a row to get the tempo of my game back. Last season I played a lot of games and that gave me confidence to do well, so I think it’s important. It’s up to me.
“If I start one game and play well I’m in the team the week after, the manager is pretty fair. I never have any doubts. He says whoever does well during the week can keep their shirts.
“It’s been unfortunate because when I felt I was doing well at the start of the season, around the Scottish League Cup match against Falkirk, I then got injured and I was out of the side. It was hard to get back in because of the squad we have here, especially when the lads are winning.
“I came back for the Hamilton game recently then I split my toe open and needed stitches and I had a few weeks out again, so it’s been a nightmare stop and start season. Hopefully, I can now kick on.”
County host second-placed Aberdeen on Sunday and, despite the Dons unbeaten in the league since October, De Vita has no fear, adding: “They are a top side.
“They have got brilliant players as we have seen in previous games against them but over the two games we have played against Aberdeen we have shown that we can match them for most of the game.”