Jordi Osei-Tutu had been “itching” to come off the bench against Mansfield and certainly made the most of his chance when it came.

The wing-back made a big impact in the final half hour against the Stags, setting up Victor Adeboyejo’s goal after a good run.

“It is always enjoyable when you get three points, it was a good one to take on,” he said after the final whistle.

“The gaffer said beforehand that the subs would be important for this game. Everyone had it in our heads that we needed to be ready when we came on, and we showed that.

“I was excited to come on because I saw the game opening up. It was a game for the wing-backs to really attack their man, we had a lot of space and it was basically one-v-one.

“(The manager) just said to get at my player as much as possible, that was the message.”

Putting Mansfield to the sword after the sending off was a boost for the Whites, who had let a couple of points slip through their grasp against Cambridge in a similar position last week.

“Cambridge was a tough one but we managed the game much better here, I think being at home helps us to do that,” the 26-year-old reflected.

“We need to take that onto 11 men and play at our own pace, not wait for them to get a red card to start controlling the game. I think we managed it well when they went down.”

Osei-Tutu has been building up his minutes since returning from a frustrating spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.

“It has been a stop-start season so far but it is always good when you come back from injury and get more and more minutes,” he insisted. “Hopefully, I can keep stepping up from this.

“The lads are brilliant, they made it feel like home from day one so there is nothing I can complain about.

“The reception I have had from the fans since day one has been amazing. I want to show them that they can believe in me and just keep on performing.”

The former Arsenal youngster played on the left against the Stags but has been used on both flanks since his arrival at Wanderers.

“I haven’t really got a preference,” he smiled. “Growing up in the Academy ranks, I played a lot on the left so it is natural to me.”