FORGOTTEN man Andy Nicholas admits he is considering leaving the County Ground in the pursuit of first-team football albeit on a temporary basis.

The 21-year-old defender, pictured, was the subject of Mansfield's advances over the Christmas period, but Nicholas turned down a loan move which 'didn't feel right at the time'.

Despite Town's recent injury woes, the former Liverpool youngster has still been reduced to bench warming duties and now admits he may have to look elsewhere for regular action.

And there are plenty of interested parties.

Nicholas confirmed: "Mansfield contacted the club over Christmas after Carlton Palmer got the job there.

"He'd seen me play when he was at Stockport and it was nice of him to show an interest.

"The gaffer could have sent me there without giving me the option but he said it was up to me if I wanted to go there on loan and I told him I wanted to stay and

fight for my place.

"Other clubs have rang me up a few times since and it's nice to be wanted.

"Mansfield didn't feel right at the time but there are other clubs in League Two that have shown an interest and I might have to consider going to one of them to get some regular football.

"I need to take a look at my options and I've got to be playing games."

Nicholas has only started nine times this term after becoming a virtual ever present in the second half of last season.

Injury and illness forced him out at the start of this campaign and he has had to watch the likes of Luke Garrard overtake him in the defensive pecking order, while a rejuvenated David Duke occupies his favoured left-back role.

Said Nicholas: "Luke's come in and done tremendously well. He's only young but he's taken it all in his stride.

"Dukesy's playing in my position down the left and he's been doing really well and so have the team in the last few weeks.

"The manager isn't going to change a winning team."

But Nicholas is growing weary of playing the waiting game and with a lack of second string action at the County Ground he realises he might have to accept a loan move to force his way back into King's long-term plans.

"We haven't had any reserve games for ages so I don't think he (King) has really seen me play since the Bristol City game in the LDV Trophy," he said.

"Nothing's changed I've made 50 appearances for the club so hopefully I feature in the gaffer's future plans.

"But if a decent team comes in asking for you it's a better option than sitting on the bench."

Nicholas is set to get a rare run-out this afternoon when Town reserves take on their Bournemouth counterparts at the County Ground, kick-off 2pm.