Matt Tootle says every game is huge for Notts County as the season draws to a close.
With five matches remaining to preserve their Sky Bet League Two status, the Magpies travel to the full back’s former club Crewe at the weekend.
And Tootle says Notts can take confidence from their recent form going into their latest big clash.
“Every game now is the biggest one of the season,” he said. “These are the ones that mean the most and you revel in the occasion.
“You look forward to these matches and get the most pleasure from them if you are able to get a result.
“At this time of the season the pressure is high but this is when you have to show your character, which we have done lately.
“Hopefully we turn these performances into wins because we’re in a rich vein of form and on the kind of run you wouldn’t expect from a team in our position – the wins will come if we continue the way we are.”
After a challenging campaign, Tootle has been pleased with his form since returning to the side in recent weeks.
“It’s been the most frustrating season of my career because I’ve been used to playing week after week and not worrying about injuries,” he admitted.
“Now I’m fighting fit and I’ve had to compete for my place, which was a new experience for me as I’ve never had to throughout my career.
“That’s a challenge I’ve enjoyed and I’ve not let anyone down since coming back into the side so hopefully I stay in the team and continue to make a difference.”
Notts slipped to the bottom of the table due to Macclesfield’s win in midweek but Tootle is adamant the side can still beat the drop.
“We’ve got time to get out of it and now is the time for action on the pitch and not for talking,” said the 28-year-old.
“There are still 15 points to play for and we have to get as many of those as we can – hopefully we do our job.
“I’ve been in relegation battles many times before but I’ve never been relegated and I don’t want to start now. It’s not something any footballer wants on their CV.
"I have a relationship with this club and the fans so I don’t even want to consider that eventuality.
“We have to concentrate on doing our job and keeping this club in the EFL.”