Forgotten man Marc Thompson admits he can't wait for the new season to kick into gear - if only to wipe away the bitter memory of the last campaign.

The young utility player, who didn't travel with the first team squad to Scotland this week, admits he suffered a season to forget last time out when a series of niggling injuries took their toll.

He made just 13 starts and also picked up the first red card of his career when he was dismissed in the 1-0 home defeat to Chesterfield in January.

It was a far-cry from the season before when the 19-year-old stepped out of the youth ranks to not only make his first team debut but become a major part of Terry Dolan's red revival.

Indeed, such was his impact at the end of the 1999-2000 season he was crowned the City players' young player of the year and was rewarded with a two-year deal by the City chief.

It was perhaps inevitable that after blazing a trail of glory during his first spell in the senior ranks Thompson would struggle to maintain such dizzy heights.

However, with one year of his two-year contract now up, Thompson admits he cannot afford to look back and needs a "big" season to keep his career on the rise.

"It was nightmare last season really, it was a bad season for me and I have more or less wrote it off and I just want put all my efforts into this year now," he explained.

"Injuries were the main problem and every time I looked like getting a chance I got injured."

And while he is anxious to stay focused on the matter in hand, Thompson admits he has at least learned from his year to forget.

The former St Aelred's and All Saints' School pupil said: "I have learned things from last year.

"I have looked after myself a lot better this summer than then year before.

"It has paid off because I am feeling a lot better this year than I did last year.

"Hopefully, that is a sign of things to come.

"I do feel a little bit of a forgotten man at the moment.

"But hopefully I will figure in the gaffer's plans for this season and I can do well for him if he calls on me.

"I see myself as more or less a squad player this year but it is a small squad and I know I will get a chance at some stage and I have to take it."

Thompson, who can operate in midfield or at right-back is confident City, like himself, can also wipe away the painful memories of last season.

"I think we have got a better chance this year," he said.

"All the lads seem to get on better and everyone is hungry to do well."

Updated: 09:44 Thursday, July 26, 2001