PETER Cavanagh admits he has felt under pressure to perform after FA betting charges - and he has vowed to clear his name and take his place in the Accrington Stanley line-up next season.

Cavanagh - along with Robbie Williams and former Stanley men David Mannix, Jay Harris and Andy Mangan - was charged by the FA with betting against the Reds in the final game of last season, which they lost 2-0 at home to Bury.

He has signalled his intention to plead not guilty on Thursday, when all five must respond to the charges, but an FA hearing is unlikely to take place until after the end of the season.

That means Cavanagh, who has played almost 300 games in his eight years at Stanley, could play his final match at the Fraser Eagle Stadium when the Reds host Chesterfield.

Chairman Eric Whalley has said both Cavanagh and Williams will be sacked if found guilty but Cavanagh, who has been charged for allegedly putting on a £5 accumulator, is hopeful his case will be successful.

Asked whether he has felt under pressure in the three games since the charges were announced, the right back said: “Particularly so, because I’m probably a bit more in the spotlight.

“Any mistake you make certainly gets questioned but my conscience is clear and I go about my game as I normally do..

“As far as I’m aware we will enter our plea and then a commission will be set up, at which date is convenient for the FA.

"There’s a certain stigma and I think I’ve got to try to get that extinguished as soon as possible.”

The skipper has insisted he has always given everything on the field for Stanley.

“Probably too much, probably too many bookings to be honest,” he said.

Cavanagh has thanked John Coleman and the fans who have backed him, saying: “I’ve been delighted with that.

“I’m pleased that the majority seemed to have shown me a bit of support and hopefully I can pay that back on the pitch.

"The manager knows the type of person I am, he’s backing me and hopefully the decision in the end will vindicate that.”