A MATCHWINNING cameo from player/manager Gareth Ainsworth ensured he proved his greatest critic wrong – his dad.

The Blues boss pressed himself into action on the right wing despite a lack of match fitness after Joel Grant picked up an ankle injury shortly after half time against Torquay.

The move paid off as he laid on the winning goal for Matt McClure, although he claimed afterwards he made a hash of his cross.

Ainsworth has previously said he feels better suited to starting games rather than coming off the bench, but after his display at Plainmoor he admits he may have to review that stance.

He said: “I said a few weeks ago I couldn’t be an impact sub, I thought I started better, so I’m glad to have done that tonight.

“It’s probably what I’m good for, although I’ll admit I was absolutely shattered at the end of the game. I’m not as fit as I was. I’m taking training more than I am training so it’s hard.

“I felt like I could have affected the game today – I thought it was the right thing.

“Thank goodness it worked because my dad keeps saying, ‘Don’t pick yourself’, and I’ve proved him wrong today so I’m pleased with that.”

But he added: “I’m glad the whistle came when it did because I was dead on my feet.”

Ainsworth may have to start against Fleetwood on Saturday with Grant and another winger, Bruno Andrade, both suffering ankle injuries.

Andrade had to come off after a recurrence of an old injury picked up against Bradford City while Grant suffered the same complaint against Torquay.

Both men will be assessed before the weekend but Ainsworth is likely to start if either fails to pass a fitness test.