SWINDON Town midfielder Anton Rodgers is hoping to grab his chance to prove himself in a team depleted with injuries.

With his side's high volume of outgoings over the summer and having signed a two-year contract extension, the 22-year-old was hoping to make an impact on the first team this season as a somewhat experienced head, having spent a year at the club.

However, despite having a seven-game spell in the starting line-up, Rodgers again found himself back on the periphery prior to Town’s visit to Oxford.

Tuesday night’s game in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy was his first start in three games and he is hoping he will be able to use this opportunity to hold onto that central midfield role.

“I thought I was playing well and unfortunately I got dropped for whatever reason, but that’s happened,” said Rodgers. “I just need to get my head down. I like to think I’m a team player.

“I like to be helped when I’m playing and I will do everything to help the boys when I’m not playing.

“Numbers are low for the weekend for sure. It’s a squad game and that’s why everyone has to be on their toes in training and games like (Oxford), and give a good account of themselves.

“You don’t know when your chance is going to come and you have to be ready.”

Swindon welcome Peterborough on Saturday, who appear to have turned a corner since the arrival of Graham Westley, having taken six points from the three games he has overseen.

With Swindon without a win in six, Rodgers is fully aware of the importance of ending that run.

“There are points to get and it’s a pressure game and we need to get some wins on the board,” he added. “Things aren’t quite going our way at the minute. It’s a test of our character.

“We have to make sure we stick together and then the results will come. We’re not going to sit and feel sorry for ourselves. That’s the way it is. We know playing, any season (injuries) can happen.”