TOWN winger Mark Marshall is determined to find the consistency he needs to nail down a regular first-team slot following a rollercoaster debut season as a professional.

The young midfielder, signed from non-league Eastleigh last summer, has made 14 appearances this season with all bar one coming off the substitutes’ bench, but is in contention for a start this afternoon against Crewe with Hal Robson-Kanu doubtful.

Marshall, pictured left, is content to bide his time as a replacement if it means Swindon retain their League One status for another year, but knows exactly what he has to do to progress next season.

“I’ve learnt that you’ve just got to be consistent,” he said. “You are never going to be a 10 out 10 every week, but once you are in or around that seven or eight out of 10 every week you can make a career out of it.

“I’ve seen it for myself. Ady (Williams, Town first team coach) pulled me to one side one day and told me to look at Jamie Vincent.

“You never get a 10 out of him but you will always get a steady seven or eight. So he’s someone that I look up to because he’s a very good pro.

“I know what’s required of me now, and hopefully I can kick on and take it into next season.”

In recent weeks Marshall has been a regular on the bench, with Swindon boss Danny Wilson using the 22-year-old as an impact sub.

And it is a welcome return to the first team fold for the wide man after a tough first half of the season.

“It’s been a bit up and down,” admitted Marshall about his first campaign as a full-time player.

“I had a few problems with my mum passing away so had to go away for a while. Then I came back and it was a bit of a struggle, but I’ve managed to get back on the bench for five out of the last six games.

“As a player you always want to start, but it’s great just to get a look in, so I’m going to be patient and hopefully we can stay up.

“I’m hoping to have a good pre-season and then take it from there next year. I want to be pushing into the team at the end of pre-season.”