Cammy Devlin admits adrenaline got him through his return to play for Heart of Midlothian, and he was disappointed to be subbed off because he was feeling good.
Pitched in from the start against Dundee despite having been out since January, the energetic midfielder expected to struggle more on a physical level on his return.
Wearing the armband with Lawrence Shankland only deemed ready for the bench, Devlin completed 76 minutes before being taken off for fellow returnee Beni Baningime, presumably to protect him following his injury. Hearts took the lead through Oisin McEntee a minute later and held on for a vital three points.
The 27-year-old admits he was "a bit angry" to be taken off but was soon joking with head coach Derek McInnes that it was a masterstroke.
"I actually surprised myself a little bit, I felt alright," he told Premier Sports when asked if he toiled physically. "I was actually a bit angry when I was taken off because I wanted to keep going.
"Obviously we weren't in the lead then. I actually said to the gaffer, because I came off and we scored straight away, I said 'what a sub. Get me off quicker if that's what that's going to mean.'
"But it was alright. My rehab was really hard. The staff put me through some of the hardest runs and tested the physicality of my body. That left me in a good place. I only did a few training sessions before the game, but the manager asked if I wanted to play and no professional is ever going to say no to that.
"I was just so excited, I think the adrenaline got me through. There were obviously times I was a bit tired and the boys dug me out.
"I just loved being back out there. There were a few moments where I just looked about and couldn't wipe the smile off my face because it was just such a good feeling."
It was put to Devlin that most people's perception would be that he would be a nightmare in the treatment room, such would be his want to get back out there. It was a suggestion he didn't argue with.
He admits he was initially eager to get back playing ahead of schedule, but learned a key lesson about being patient.
It was also a huge help psychologically to have the likes of Lawrence Shankland and Stephen Kingsley rehabbing at the same time.
The Australia international admitted: "I think everyone probably hated me in there, including Shanks. I was a pain in the a**e, to be honest. I needed a few stern words to keep me in my place.
"I tried to get back out on the grass a little bit early. Something I did learn throughout that process is that your injury will tell you when it is ready. You can't force these things, as much as I wanted to. And it does take time.
"It definitely helps having your mates around you in the gym because it can be lonely, so being in there by yourself would be quite tough. Especially the posiiton we are in, because you're just so desperate to be involved. Even though I wasn't involved on he pitch I just tried to stay around the lads as much as I could.
"Having Shanks was unreal because our timelines, along with a few of the other boys for returning to play were quite similar. Having each other to bounce off and reaching our goals made things a lot easier. It was hard but we're through it now."
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Shankland did make his own return to action as a replacement for Landry Kabore on 54 minutes.
There was a tangible lift around Tynecastle Park when the club captain and go-to man for goals and attacking responsibility entered the pitch.
It wasn't just the fans who felt it.
"I really felt it," said Devlin. "It is no surprise because Shanks' numbers speak for themselves, but he also brings things that people do not see. He is our captain and he is the one we look to when we need a goal. He is always in the right position.
"When he came on, he not only lifted all of us on the pitch but also the 20,000 people in the stands. He gave them a belief that we could go on and win the game. His presence pushed us over the line."
Hearts were forced into a makeshift back four for the game. They already had centre-half Jamie McCart playing at left-back and Oisin McEntee moved back into right-back, when Craig Halkett pulled up in the warm-up and had to be replaced by Michael Steinwender at centre-back alonside Frankie Kent.
They coped very well and kept another clean sheet, but Kent will now be missing for Livingston away after being sent off late on for a second yellow card.
Devlin felt that was harsh on his teammate.
"I was speaking to Frankie about that today," he said. "I don't even think he touched the guy for the second one.
"I feel bad for him because Frankie, much like some of the other boys, has not been given all the chances he deserves across the season. However, every time he has been called upon, he has been unbelievable. He was really good again on the weekend, so it was unlucky for him to be sent off."
