MIDFIELDER Danny Rose has stated he will need to get into Swindon Town’s starting XI and enjoy a run of games if he is to earn the right for a fresh contract in the summer.

Rose, 30, signed a contract which expires at the end of the season prior to Town’s successful trip to Tranmere Rovers earlier this month.

The two-times League Two winner – with Portsmouth and Northampton Town – has only appeared off the bench since joining Swindon, and he admits having the time to showcase his ability is key if his short-term contract is to be extended.

He added: “I need to get in the side and have a run of games to show what I can do and earn a contract beyond the rest of this season.

“I want to hit the ground running and cover as much distance and get around the pitch as best I can.

“Hopefully that will be from the start – sooner rather than later – and I can get in the side and help us forget about our result against Crawley.”

Just two days were between Rose’s official unveiling by the club and their timely win at Tranmere, which lifted Richie Wellens’ side into 11th in the table.

Town’s success on the banks of the River Mersey appeared to have kicked life into their play-off aspirations, but that was grounded to a sudden halt on Saturday as an out-of-form Crawley Town won 1-0 at the Energy Check County Ground.

It marked the 10th time Town have failed to score at home this season.

But Rose has backed his manager to turn around the club’s fortunes.

The former Manchester United Reserves skipper referred to last season’s League One game between Portsmouth and Oldham Athletic, in which Rose played – adding that the tactics used by Wellens while in charge of the Latics that day stuck in his mind.

And it appears Pompey’s loss played a part in Rose opting to link up with the Wiltshire side amid their search for promotion from League Two.

He said: “I played against the gaffer’s side last season when he was at Oldham and they beat us when I was at Portsmouth. They played really, really well.

“That stuck in my mind before even having contact with the gaffer.

“As soon as I got the phone call that there was a bit of interest, having seen that previous performance from one of his sides, I was eager to join and be part of a team that plays in that kind of way.”