KRYSTIAN Pearce has not given up hope of a future at Notts County.
The 23-year-old defender only has a few months left on his contract – and has not played one game for the Magpies this season.
He has only started three league games since Keith Curle took charge almost 11 months ago and spent three months on loan at League Two Barnet this season, after being put on the transfer list last summer.
But he is back at Meadow Lane and determined to finally show Curle why he was once rated as one of the club's best young players.
"I'm fighting for a place now I'm back," he said. "I want to force my way into the team and help us win promotion – that is my aim.
"I have come back a lot fitter and stronger after playing a lot of games for Barnet.
"It has done me the world of good and I want to show the manager what I can do now.
"I've spoken to him since I've been back and he's told me the door is still open and there is still a chance for me here. So all I can do is fight hard to get into the team.
"I believe in my ability and I'm determined to prove I am as good as some people say.
"It's going to be a big challenge because we have some good defenders here, but I think I can play at this level and I want to push on even higher.
"It has been difficult to show him (Curle) what I can do so far because I was struggling with injuries when he came in and was playing in pain.
"I was also injured at the start of pre-season and then when I got fit I was sent out to Barnet.
"It's only now that I feel fully fit and ready to show him.
"It hurt being put on the transfer list; nobody likes to be told they're not wanted.
"But it has made me even more determined to prove myself to him."
