MARK CONVERY may have the unenviable task of competing for the same attacking role as Craig Hignett, but the Darlington midfielder has vowed to take his chance when he gets it.

Convery has been left frustrated by the limited amount of first-team chances he has had this season and admits the arrival of Hignett in September has not helped his cause.

Despite starting in the opening day win over Grimsby Town in August, Convery has made just two starts since, with 13 appearances as a substitute.

At the weekend Convery was left on the bench for the 26th time this season, while Hignett made a scoring return to the side with two second half goals.

And while Hignett once again proved his worth as a stand-in striker - for the injured Clyde Wijnhard - the former Middlesbrough man has proved equally as effective in his preferred role behind the front two.

"Everything was looking good for me at the start of the season, but it has been difficult since the gaffer signed Higgy (Hignett)," said Convery.

"When a player like that comes to the club you can't really complain because he's a quality player.

"It's disappointing when you don't play, but all I can do is get my head down in training and learn from the likes of Higgy. It's the same for everyone and if you get your chance you have to take it.

"Everybody wants to play when the team is performing so well and I'm no different."

On Saturday Convery came on as a 53rd minute replacement for the injured Adrian Webster and it was his blocked shot which led to Quakers' third goal against Shrewsbury.

"I usually get thrown on for the last ten minutes so it was good to get most of the half," said Convery. "We were only 1-0 up when I came on and there were was still a lot of hard work to do.

"We have the players to cause problems and it was just a case of being patient.

"I was pleased to be involved in the third goal and I think we can go to Southend now with a lot of confidence."

Read more about the Quakers here.