THE five-inch scar across Pat Kanyuka's forehead is testament to a man who admits to putting his head where other players wouldn't dare put their feet.

And the former QPR defender has vowed to play through the pain barrier in order to keep his place in the Town side and prove his worth to the County Ground fans.

Kanyuka's war wound came during his Town debut at Luton in January, but it will take more than bumps, bruises and the occasional stitch or six to keep the 20-year-old from giving up his place in Maurice Malpas's starting line-up.

"I've had loads of knocks in the two games I've played, but I just want to get up and carry on because I don't want to give the manager an option to take me off, thinking I'm hurt and lose my place," said the Congolese centre-back.

"I've experienced that from the Luton game where I lost my place with the head injury.

"It took me about four or five games to get back in the side, so I don't want that to happen again.

"No way do I want to give my place up - not intentionally anyway.

"The only way I'd give it up is if I'm limping off the pitch with only one leg.

"I give 100 per cent every game and put my head in places that some people won't put their feet - that's what the manager's going to get out of me."

Softly spoken off the pitch, Kanyuka is anything but that on it and he has impressed in his two Town appearances with a couple of commanding displays.

The former QPR defender was brought into the starting line-up at the expense of Jerel Ifil for the 2-2 draw at Oldham in midweek, but he revealed that the County Ground faithful are yet to see the best of him.

"I sort of saw the change coming. Everyone can see what's happening on the pitch and it was a bit frustrating to be sat on the bench for a few weeks," he said.

"But I'm a new signing and I know I'm not fully fit yet.

"The manager's got my best interests and I trust him in that.

"I'm always hoping he will play me and I hope to repay his trust by giving him good performances.

"You're always going to be a little bit rusty, but I don't really accept the performance I gave on Tuesday.

"The manager said I did well but I know how I can play, and the best is still to come.

"I'm not sure if the fans will see it this season because there's not a lot of games to go, but my message to them is to bear with me because I've got a lot to offer to this football club."