Mark Nwokeji has pleaded with AFC Wimbledon boss Terry Brown to be given a further chance to impress after making a rare appearance at Barrow last weekend.
The striker made just his second start of an injury-riddled season in the 2-0 defeat on the road.
And Nwokeji admits he is desperate to prove his worth to the Dons rather than head out on loan.
He said: “I know the gaffer sending me somewhere on loan was talked as a possibility, and I suppose it still is a possibility.
“But I want to stay here and fight for a place.
“I have been fit now for about two months but not had the opportunity, so I was really glad to play on Saturday.
“I know the result went against us but I am sure anyone who watched the game would have been impressed by my performance.
“I have been training really hard - even coming in on days off for extra sessions.
“I just want to play football and if I can help contribute to the AFC Wimbledon cause even better.”
Despite the Barrow reverse, Wimbledon stay top of the Blue Square Premier by a point.
And the former Staines Town, Dagenham & Redbridge and Luton Town man sees no reason why that cannot continue.
Nwokeji added: “I think it was a simple case of the ball not bouncing for us at Barrow.
“It was just a case of bad luck but you get that from time to time.
“We have such a good squad here that I think we are set up for the long run.
“We have to remember that we are top for a reason.
“I know people are saying it will not last, but we certainly think it can.”
Tonight (Thursday) sees the Dons travel to Ebbsfleet for their FA Cup replay, with a clash against the MK Dons up for grabs.
And Nwokeji insists his side will be going all out for the win.
He added: “The boss has made sure we take it seriously.
“Obviously we want to get through because of the draw, especially from a publicity point of view.
“We just have to go out there and do a job.
“Of course it is not going to be easy and they are going really well, but we have to believe we can go there and win.”
AFC Wimbledon’s next three matches: Nov 21 Kettering Town (h), 24 Colliers Wood United (SSC, a), 27 Fleetwood Town (a)
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