STRAIGHT-talking David Mirfin would tell you himself, the stats don't lie.

And the Scunthorpe United centre-back would also admit there is a danger of him being labelled an injury-prone player, following a season of niggles, knocks and ailments.

PECKING ORDER: United's David Mirfin (second from left) may not walk straight back into the team, after the arrivals of Paul Reid (front) and Michael Nelson (right). Picture: Carl Gac.

Those problems have curtailed the Yorkshireman's campaign, making just 17 appearances from a possible 31 with the latest, a thigh complaint, keeping him out of the last four games.

Viewed as Mr Consistency by the Iron, he usually averages around the 30-40 game mark for a full term, so the current situation is a concern.

There is then perhaps some weight to his claims that the out-of-contract in the summer star is playing for his future, whether that be at Glanford Park, or elsewhere.

"The biggest person I have got to prove myself to is myself, that is the biggest battle," Mirfin told the Telegraph.

"Knowing I have got confidence in my body to go and play 30 or 40 games a season is a big thing.

"This season I don't think, even if I do play all the games left, that I can reach that.

"I am playing for my future.

"With the injuries I have had, I have only played a handful of games during the past four or five months.

"I have got to get fit, hopefully push myself back in the team and know that I am playing for a contract next year.

"If it is away from here, teams will be looking at me and thinking do we want a player who keeps getting injured.

"All I can do is not look back at the games that I have missed and look forward to getting fit and being involved in as many games as I can."

The 25-year-old is due back in full training on Monday, hoping to play some part in two of the Iron's next three home matches.

That is dependant on Monday's work-out, and if he can displace two new signings in the heart of the defence – Michael Nelson and Paul Reid.

"Whether Nottingham Forest will be too soon I am not sure, we will have to see how the thigh reacts after Monday," he added.

"It is going to be hard (to get back in the side) but that is good for the club.

"Before January we were down to the bare bones but to have that competition back in the team, in that area, is good.

"I don't think you should ever expect to start.

"Equally, the new lads who have come in will know myself, Michael Raynes and Rob Jones, who is coming back to full fitness, are there as competition."