Mar 3rd 2010....The 22-year-old's deal expires this summer and he knows he will need to work hard to impress Jimmy Calderwood to keep him on.

However, he made his first SPL start of the season in last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Motherwell and hopes he will be given more chances.

Flannigan had been a bit-part player this season, but has been enthused by Calderwood and is desperate to impress the club's new boss.

"My contract is up at the end of season, so it is a big few months for me," explained Flannigan.

"I've been out of the team and it's frustrating when you're not playing. I just want to be out there.

"It's not enjoyable when you're in the stands, especially when the team is doing well, because you don't feel part of it.

"So it's a vital time for me and I just need to knuckle down, work hard and see what happens.

"The gaffer has shown with Liam Kelly that if you come in and do well you'll keep your place in the team and that's a good incentive for me.

"With the new manager in place it's a new start for everyone. I'll just go out there, try to impress him and hopefully stay in the team."