Carl Regan sees the next month as crucial in his battle to earn a new deal at Meadow Lane.
Regan agreed a short-term deal with the club in the summer, which is set to expire in January.
The full-back enjoyed a regular place in the team throughout September and October, only for a foot injury in the 4-0 win over Carlisle United to sideline him for over a month.
Following a return to action in the midweek fixture with Preston North End, the 32-year-old is determined to hold onto his place in the starting-11.
Ahead of this weekend’s clash with Swindon Town, Regan told Magpie Player: “It would be nice to stay here until the end of the season and now I’m back from injury I want to stay in the side.
“Hopefully the team will do well with me in the side and that will help with my call to stay here.
“I’m just looking to get my head down and play as well as I can and we’ll get some good results as well.
“There’s a lot of good players in the squad and it keeps you on your toes.
“It makes you want to go out there on a Saturday or a Tuesday and give your all.
“If you don’t, you’ll be out the team and you could be waiting a long time before you get back in again.”
Focusing on the Robins’ meeting, Regan spoke of the team’s determination to gain a home win for the first time in two months.
He added: “It’s fine lines with little things going against us that we’re not getting away with.
“I think we just need the rub of the green on Saturday to get us kick-started with our home form.
“I think it’s a bit of a monkey on everyone’s shoulder at the moment but hopefully we can put that right and it’ll continue for the rest of the season.”
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To purchase tickets for Saturday’s Meadow Lane encounter with Swindon Town, visit www.nottscountydirect.co.uk.