Mabil, 21, scored for Esbjerg in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Randers marking a fine run of form as the Danish Superliga enters the winter break.

The former Adelaide United man has started the past eight Superliga games, playing up front in recent weeks having previously been mostly used on the wing.

He’s scored twice for Esbjerg but also provided plenty of assists for a club who has improved alongside Mabil’s form upturn to move out of the bottom two spots.

Mabil was starved of opportunities and made only nine appearances for Midtjylland last term, having joined the club on a five-year deal from Adelaide.

He went out on a season-long loan at Esbjerg this campaign which is beginning to pay dividends after a slow start, having been red carded on debut.

“I put it down to opportunities,” Mabil told FourFourTwo.

“At the start it wasn’t great with the red card, but I was very thankful the coach believed in me.

“He didn’t want to come straight back into the team, he wanted me to work hard for it again.

“I was working hard for it in training and my opportunity came again and when it came I was very thankful for it. I tried to take it with both hands.”

Good team Win ✅ now ready for holidays. 😉⚽️

A photo posted by Awer Mabil (@awermabil10) on

Mabil came off the bench six times before making his second start, following his ill-fated debut.

The Kenya-born youngster’s chance came against his parent club in late October and he impressed, with his maiden goal for Esbjerg.

“It was an interesting game against my parent club,” he said.

“It was also very motivating to show them what I can do and help my team Esbjerg in any way I can. I was very grateful to score also.”

Despite Mabil’s long-term contract at Midtjylland, he said he isn’t worrying about his parent club at all.

“At the moment I’m just focused on here,” he said.

“I haven’t heard much from them. It doesn’t bother me, as long as I’m playing football, that’s all that makes me happy.”

Mabil also revealed he’s loving his return to playing as a striker, having been utilized up front in his junior days.

“It’s been enjoyable. I used to be a striker when I was younger,” Mabil said.

“As soon as I was picked for the SA NTC, I started playing as a winger.

“I’ve played there before when I was younger and it was always my preferred position. It’s good to be playing there now.”

He added: “It gives the coach something to think about when you have a player who can play I both positions.

“If I play on the wing, I enjoy it as much as when I play up front. It’s up to the coach to put me where he wants.”

Mabil will return to Adelaide for a break over Christmas before the Superliga resumes in February.