Hansa Rostock left-sider Heath Pearce was over the moon after making his return from coach Frank Pagelsdorf's doghouse in their weekend draw with Arminia Bielefeld.

The US international had been cast out of the selection during the winter break, but was allowed back in the game as a halftime sub on Saturday. The California native was quite relieved to feature for his club for the first time since before Christmas.

"I was really excited," Pearce told American Soccer Daily. "I have been hungry for a match for a while. It was an amazing feeling to step on the field with my teammates again."

With Pagelsdorf backtracking on a January edict that Pearce would never play for him again, the two men have sewn up the matter like professionals. The American simply continued quietly working hard in training until the coach called his number.

Neither required a big dramatic scene to ease the tension, says the player. Water passed under bridge and the collective fight to climb away from the relegation fray is center stage - which is exactly how each prefers it.

"I think the message is that we are past all this and moving forward," said Pearce. "The focus is not on me or us. It's on the team and getting results and staying in the league. I definitely want the same thing."

By going 2-2-2 in their last six, Hansa have achieved a five-point separation from the drop zone. Equipped with the lowest scoring attack in the Bundesliga, the northerners know every match will be a challenge and they cannot afford to relax until survival is assured.

"It's important that we focus on each game itself," asserted Pearce. "The team has done decent enough to give us a little cushion. But a cushion quickly disappears if youre not careful."

"We have a very good opportunity to keep a position to stay in the league. We will need to do it together."

Pearce will be shooting for a place in the starting eleven when Hansa visit bottom feeders Duisburg on Saturday.