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Huddersfield Town defender Josh Ruffels admits he has had a “really tough time” at the club over the past year owing to a lack of game time.

The left-back made just 11 appearances last term, the last of which came in November, before groin and hernia injuries kept the defender sidelined for the remainder of the campaign. Ruffels has since found it difficult to break into the starting XI this season, with the left-back having featured just four times to date this term.

The 31-year-old made a rare appearance in the 2-0 victory at Leyton Orient on Tuesday, with the defender brought on for the second half of the contest following an injury to Mickel Miller. With first-choice wing-back Miller set for a spell on the sidelines, Ruffels is eager to take any opportunity that may come his way.

“I’ll just touch on Mickel, hopefully his scan results are OK and he’s not out for too long,” Ruffels told HTTV. “On a personal note, make no bones about it, it’s been a really tough time for me, the last year, being injured and trying to get back in the squad and stuff. I’m really happy to be back involved in the team and helping the lads to three points.

“In football, you have to keep your patience and be professional. It’s been the biggest test for me, over the last few months, but I’ve always tried to keep my mentality the same, and the way I go about my business, and thankfully it’s paid off. The gaffer’s got that trust in me to put me on at half-time, and I’m just glad I got the job done.

“I’m really excited for the next few weeks. Football can change really quickly, and it’s proven it tonight. I’ve been out of the squad for a long time, and you suddenly get this opportunity, you have to grab it with both hands. I just want to have the right mentality that I have, and just go ahead and be positive.

“It’s been an up and down kind of few years, but I always try and remain positive and look at the bigger picture. There are always opportunities around the corner, and it happens when you least expect it sometimes. Luckily and fortunately, I’ve got this opportunity and I have to grab it, and hopefully I can make the most of it.”

The Terriers extended their unbeaten run in League One to seven matches with their victory at Brisbane Road in midweek, a result that leaves Michael Duff’s side sitting fifth in the table, on 29 points from 16 games played. Town face Wigan Athletic next up at the John Smith’s Stadium on Tuesday, in the first of seven matches for the Terriers in all competitions before the end of the year.

Ruffels was pleased with his side’s latest victory, and believes that their upcoming busy run of games presents a chance to push up the table further still. Reflecting on the Orient win, the left-back said: “It’s a big result. Going away anywhere and getting a result and a clean sheet is huge, so we’re really happy.

“We could’ve made it easier for us, we made it slightly difficult, but Callum (Marshall) and his work rate has kind of sealed the deal in the end, and we’re really happy. It’s a normal week for us (heading into the Wigan game), plenty of training and plenty of hard work.

“I’ve always relished the Christmas period, I think it’s a great opportunity to get up the league with plenty of games, and if you do well over that period, it really does shoot you into a good spot in the league. We’re looking forward to it.”