JON-PAUL McGovern admits he may be forced to move on in his bid for regular football, but the midfielder is determined to first play his part in helping Town avoid the drop.

The Scot has found his chances limited under Danny Wilson due to a combination of injury and the boss’s preference to select two out-and-out wingers.

McGovern, who has 12 months remaining on his County Ground contract, believes he has reached the point in his career where he needs to be consistently playing games, but says the main objective at the moment is for Swindon to maintain their League One status.

“The manager has come in and has got new ideas on how he wants to play,” said the former Sheffield Wednesday man.

“If I feature in that then great, and if I don’t then it’s the life and times of a footballer.

“You may have to move on, and if that’s what’s got to happen then we’re all trying to make a career and pay bills and keep families. So that’s what you’ve got to do.

“I’m 28 and am at the age now where I’m looking to play, or have a good chance of playing, week in week out.

“I’m no different from anyone else - you want to play every game, but it’s up to manager. That’s for another chat though - at the moment it’s all about Swindon and making sure we are safe.”

McGovern has spent the last seven weeks on the treatment table recovering from a troublesome ankle injury He made his comeback off the substitutes’ bench against Leyton Orient on Monday, and is determined to remain in Wilson’s plans for their final three games - starting at Carlisle on Saturday.

“I only got four or five minutes (against Leyton Orient), but it was just nice to be back on the pitch,” said McGovern.

“It does get frustrating at times and you can get your head down especially when you’re playing in the reserves or not involved.

“But you’ve just got to come in each day, work hard and hopefully catch the manager’s eye.

“The Carlisle game will be a big one for both teams. If either side gets a win then you are so far out of it.

“I think we’ve just got to look at previous performances and say ‘yes, it’s a hard place to go but we’ve got enough in our locker to get the win’.

“I’m hoping to be involved again. I know it’s a cliche but I would play anywhere for the team - even if the manager told me to have a go at striker I would do it and give it my all. All you can give is 100 per cent and that’s what I always do.”

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