FORGOTTEN man Jamie Speare is bidding to remind Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman exactly what he can do.

The goalkeeper hasn't featured in the Reds' starting line-up since the first game of the Conference season at Aldershot.

An untimely first-half sending off at the Recreation Ground prompted manager Coleman to throw summer signing Jon Kennedy into the starting line-up, and the former Sunderland stopper's form and fitness has meant Speare has been sidelined ever since.

But the 27-year-old is adamant his unquenchable desire for first team football will not force him out of Stanley.

"It hasn't been a very nice four months since I last played," he said.

"I was disappointed to be dropped from the team so quickly after I got sent off but that's the manager's decision and Jon hasn't let him down.

"It's hard because I want to play but, at the same time, I've got some good mates here, it's a good side with a nice feel about it. And with a bit of luck we could grab at least the last play-off place.

"Automatic promotion is not beyond us but realistically we've got to look at the last two play-off places.

"I want to be part of everything that's going on at this club. This is my sixth year and I'm not about to spit my dummy because I'm not playing. That's not in my nature. There's only one goalkeeping place in the side and there are two of us, that's just the way it is.

"But I'm going nowhere. I'm going to stick with it and fight for my place."

Speare will aim to do just that in tonight's friendly with UniBond First Division promotion chasers Prescot Cables at the Interlink Express Stadium (kick-off 7.30pm).

"When you're playing a game and the manager's going to be there, whether it's the reserves, first team or friendly, it's always an opportunity to prove what you can do," he said.

"You don't always get that opportunity depending on how the game's going but I'm just grateful for any game really."

Speare, who has kept clean sheets in the three reserve team games he has played this season, added: "I've been trying to keep myself fit and try to stay sharp during training, and it's important to stay focused mentally."

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