"I always go out on the pitch thinking I have to perform to stay in the team the next week. That is the attitude I had last season and it will be my attitude again this season," He told the MEN.
"If you start slipping up, or resting on your laurels, you will be straight out.
"Last year through injury and suspension, I began in the team and the manager stuck with me. I like to think my performances kept me in. In terms of consistency and level of performance it was my best and I gained that from playing regularly.
"In previous seasons I was in for a game and then out for a couple. Even though I felt I was playing well I wasn't getting that match sharpness and continuity."