PIERO Mingoia admits there has been a frustration at his lack of game-time this term and hopes to make the most of a Checkatrade Trophy appearance tonight.

The winger has started Stanley’s last two League One games owing to suspensions to Sean McConville and Jordan Clark but he has played just 189 minutes in the third tier this term across three appearances.

Mingoia is likely to retain his place for the visit of West Brom’s Under-21s tonight and is desperate to impress and try to keep himself in the Stanley starting XI for the visit of Colchester United in the FA Cup on Saturday.

“Of course it is frustrating, everyone who doesn’t play would be lying if they said it is not frustrating but that’s football,” the 27-year-old said of his season so far.

“You have to be patient and I have always said the one thing you can’t do is pick the team so when you get an opportunity you have to be ready and give 100 per cent and I am pleased with my performances (in the last two games).

“I haven’t played in the league that much this year and when the opportunity comes along I look forward to it. It feels great helping your team-mates and putting a shift in.

“In football you just have to be ready. I have managed to get in because Sean and Jordan Clark have got five yellow cards and that comes along sometimes.

“We have all got to be ready, it is quite a big squad and there is quite a lot of good players not taking part. You have to be ready when opportunities come along for yourself and for the team.

“I don’t think I have been at Accrington with a squad with this much quality.

“It feels unbelievable to play games and fight for points and get stuck in and help the team out.”

Stanley welcome West Brom’s youngsters tonight top of their Checkatrade Trophy group following a thumping 4-1 win over Macclesfield Town in their opening fixture.

The Reds will qualify for the knockout stages with a victory ahead of their final group game at Blackpool next week.

Mingoia played 90 minutes in that game and wants a second straight success to move a step nearer a possible Wembley final.

“This is an opportunity to get to Wembley and people go through their careers not going to Wembley so if there is an opportunity then we have try and take it,” he added.

“I was looking forward to the last game against Macclesfield because I hadn’t played for a while and it is an opportunity to get minutes under your belt and to play well.

“If you don’t want to play these types of games when you are not playing regularly then you are in the wrong business.”