FIT defenders are a bit like buses for Scunthorpe United – you wait ages and then two come along at once.

And if Michael Raynes has anything to say about it, the Iron will soon have two of the very highest calibre.

The centre-back, who is close to recovering from a thigh injury, admits he hasn't yet made the impact he would have liked at Glanford Park.

But he knows just what he needs to do to get there – and in whose footsteps he needs to follow.

"I 100 per cent feel like I've not put my mark down at all yet," Raynes told the Telegraph.

"It's very frustrating.

"At Stockport everyone knew what I was about, but at Scunthorpe I've not really had a run in the team.

"Even from the manager's side of things, he's not really seen what I can offer yet because I've not had the run of games.

"When I do get the chance, I'm hoping to put my mark on things.

"I've learnt so much from Rob Jones, David Mirfin and Cliff Byrne – they're all experienced players.

"Dave's the right-footed centre-half.

"He's where I want to be in two years time.

"I'm two years younger than Dave and in my opinion he's one of the better defenders in the Championship.

"I'm trying to watch what he does day in, day out and try to get to the level he's at.

"I think it just takes time.

"He said himself, he was a bit like me when he first started and over the last couple of years he's really found his feet.

"I've got to get a bit more experience and play a lot more games."

Raynes accepts he will have a fight on his hands to do that with United in the near future.

The 23-year-old's injury came at a time when he had started to feature more frequently for Ian Baraclough's side.

But with Niall Canavan now the only centre-back still on the treatment table, there is much competition for places.

"We'll have a problem soon where we've got too many defenders fit and everyone wants to start," said Raynes, who made his comeback for the reserves in midweek.

"That's just the way football is.

"You can't be too harsh on yourself, you've just got to get on with it.

"I want to play. I didn't come here to sit on the bench.

"Whoever's starting, I'll be biting at their heels to make sure I am playing.

"It's the gaffer's choice. I guess it's a better scenario having too many players than not having enough players.

"The injury was bad timing really.

"But the postponement of games went in my favour, so I've not missed too many.

"I'm hoping I'm close to starting. I'm biting at straws ready to play again."