DAVID BARRON wants to make the slot on St Mirren's left defensive flank his own.
The 24-year-old started the SPL opener against Inverness while Graham Carey, Barron's main competition for the left-back vacancy caused by the departure of Jeroen Tesselaar, was crocked.
The positions were reversed in Saturday's 2-0 victory at Dundee, which took Saints top of the SPL, as Barron was left on the bench and Carey started.
That has made Barron more determined to nail down a starting slot as he bids to put the frustrations of an injury- blighted campaign last time out behind him.
He said: "The last couple of seasons have been frustrating injury wise.
"I thought I put my problems behind me in the second half of last season, then a medial ligament problem ruined the run in for me.
"That was really annoying.
"It was great to start the opening game, and with Jeroen having moved to Kilmarnock there is an opportunity at left-back.
"It will probably come down to a straight fight between me and Graham Carey for left-back.
"We now have each started one of the first two games.
"To be honest I will play anywhere along the back line for St Mirren, while I also filled in as a sitting midfielder when Jim Goodwin was out last season.
"I have set myself two targets for the season, to try and stay fit then start as many games as I can."