HAVING received four red cards in his 45 senior games to date, summer signing, Oliver Lancashire is out to prove that he is not a dirty player.

The former England Under-19 International, who arrived at Banks's Stadium from Southampton, has started the season in the heart of the back-line alongside Manny Smith.

"I definitely wouldn't say I'm a dirty player, it's just the way it's gone," said Lancashire. "The first one was on my debut, live on Sky, I was buzzing and doing quite well up until that point. I went into a tackle - which I still think was a yellow card to this day - but the referee gave a red.

"The one after that was Sheffield United away where I got man of the match. I was last man and got sent off but people who talk about the red card don't talk about the man of the match award which is quite annoying.

"The next one was handball on the line when I was at Grimsby - but I still think it hit my chest - and the last one got rescinded. Things didn't seem to be going for me last year but this time I want to keep the cards away.

"I'm here to fight for my place in the first-team and that is what the manager has told me do to. I'll do what's needed.

"It's nice to be liked and wanted and I felt like I was here; it was one of the reasons why I came here. The manager has been at the highest level and that was another draw.

"I've been here for a month and moved into my flat in Birmingham last week and it feels like home already.

"Moving around doesn't really bother me; my family are based near Reading and I had to move down to Southampton when I was 16 so it's not really a big deal for me now."