After assisting James Collins on Easter Monday from the bench, LuaLua went one step further and scored a cracker himself in the win at Adams Park – his second goal this season.

“It was nice to get a game today,” LuaLua admitted. “When you come on as a sub, you want to make an impact on the team which I think I did, George did and Harry Cornick as well, so it was nice to get on and even better to get three points.”

His goal came five minutes after George Moncur had equalised with a free-kick and it was an effort right out of the top draw that flew past his ex-teammate David Stockdale and into the top corner.

“It was nice, it hasn’t been easy for me, so it was nice to score and celebrate with the team. It is important for me, like I said it has not been easy for me, so it was nice to score. I enjoyed it very much!

“I was off balance and I saw it last minute. I thought Stockdale was going to save it but again like I said, it is nice to come on, get a goal and help the team get three points.”

The 30-year-old has had to bide his time this season which he honestly reflected has been hard to deal with, but LuaLua remains focused on helping the team moving forward.

“It has been hard. As a footballer, I want to play and get as many chances as I can, but it has been tough for me, really, really tough this season. It is what it is, it’s football so you have to be ready whenever you get a chance. Every footballer wants to play but for myself, if you ask me has it been easy to deal with, no I have found it very hard.”

LuaLua often turns to his brother, Lomana, who knows all about the ups and downs of being a professional footballer, adding: “I don’t talk a lot but I have my family and my brother. Whenever I am feeling down I always speak to him because he has been in the same position I have been before so it is good to have a brother who knows the situation. It is easy to listen but it’s hard, very hard.”