The Brazil striker's 80th-minute free-kick enabled a stuttering Les Gones to scrape past amateur side Croix-de-Savoie 1-0 on Sunday.

Fred's future was the subject of much scrutiny in January. Before the winter break, he revealed he wanted to quit the French champions after losing his place in the first team.

Several clubs made their interest known but he opted to stay.

And having regained his place in the side, the 24-year-old now hopes the goals will start to flow.

"It is true, I am not quite there yet," he said. "I still lack rhythm, but this goal is good for my confidence.

"It is the first of many to come. My aim is to continue working hard and to rediscover my level.

"Things have gone better since I announced I would be staying at Lyon.

"I have a new desire to battle away, to drive myself on. And all the players and all the staff are behind me."

Fred missed the first part of the season after breaking his foot on international duty in the Copa America during the summer.

In his absence, Karim Benzema led the line superbly and has established himself as Lyon's premier striker.

With Les Gones coach Alain Perrin often preferring just one frontman, Fred has had to bide his time.

But the Brazilian reckons he can link up with Benzema to great effect.

"I hope that the coach will see that we can play together, because playing with Karim is magnificent."

Lyon struggled on Sunday against their amateur hosts, and were often second best on a poor pitch.

In the end, Perrin was relieved to have avoided the banana skin.

"I knew it was going to be a tricky match - we just didn't have that cutting edge," said the former Sochaux boss.

"It is true that we remain on a run of matches away from home where we are making the same mistakes."