Mancienne, who is on loan at Wolves for the season, has seen Jody Craddock excel in his place while he has been away on International duty.
“It was good to get a game (for England U21s) under my belt. I had a bit of illness before, then when I wanted to come back into the team I had Jody in front of me,” Mancienne told the Express and Star.
“He has done really well, so I have just got to bide my time and be patient now. Saturday’s game will have sharpened me up, it’s given me a confidence boost and improved my stamina.
“We have another game in midweek and if I play that will help me again. Playing well for my country will only help me for my club.”
He added: “Do I still feel upbeat about things at Wolves? Definitely. We are lacking a few goals at the moment but I think that will come.”
