Leary: We're all looking to impress

MICHAEL Leary has vowed to show Grimsby Town fans what he is made of as he looks to keep his place in caretaker boss Neil Woods' first team.

Leary, signed from League Two rivals Barnet in the summer by former Town boss Mike Newell, is relishing Town's visit to Northampton tomorrow and is hoping for another chance to shine alongside in-form Peter Sweeney in central midfield.

Leary has made seven starts for Town this season, with his last coming in the 4-0 defeat at Port Vale.

After that game the 26-year-old, who played under Newell at his home club Luton Town, has been limited to reserve team action and a place on the bench – but was re-selected to start the Mariners' two cup ties against Bath City and Leeds United.

And Ealing-born Leary wants another chance to shine for the Mariners at Sixfields on Saturday.

Leary said: "I am delighted to be back playing again. I spent a while waiting for my chance, patiently.

"I've been playing for the reserves and I've hopefully done enough to get my chance for a run in the first team.

"I played against Bath and Leeds in the cup games and now I'm hoping to keep my place for the league.

"It was great to play at Leeds in a stadium like Elland Road, and it was great to play alongside Sweens again.

"I think we complement each other quite well and hopefully we can get a run in the side together and get a few results.

"Winning the ball in midfield is my job – I've been brought here to be destructive in midfield and pass the ball about.

"I'm looking to bring that to the team and then Sweens can hopefully contribute the more attacking side of things."

Leary is aware that new players may be brought to the club on loan and is determined to make the grade with his own performances so he does not have to make way for new arrivals.

He said: "Competition is competition and if the manager decides to bring in players then it's just up to all of us to up our games.

"If that's the case then I'll be doing my best to up my game and ensure I'm not taken out the side.

"It has been going through all our minds about where we are in the league and when you look at the paper and see ourselves second from bottom it's not very good.

"We definitely should be higher up the table with the players we've got here.

"It's been a fresh start for all the lads since Neil Woods has come in and all the lads think he has done a good job so far.

"I was gutted to see Newell go, but that's just football and the way things happen.

"Now it's a clean slate and all the lads need to prove themselves.

"I'd be delighted to play against Northampton on Saturday and help the team get out the rut we are in at the moment."