TOM Kennedy admits he is fed up of battling at the wrong end of the League Two table.

The 21-year-old defender is in his fourth season as a Gigg Lane regular, during which time the Shakers' highest finishing position was 13th, under Andy Preece in 2003/4.

But since his debut season in a Bury shirt, the pressure dial has been turned up to the maximum on Kennedy's fledgling career - leaving the defender yearning for a season spent at the right end of the table.

"Since I got into the team, we finished 13th one season, but apart from that, it has always been a relegation battle," he said.

"It's not just me, there are a few lads here that have been here a few years and to be honest, we are just absolutely fed up with it. We want to be climbing the league and pushing for the play-offs.

"Every game last season was a must win game, there was so much pressure on you. When your mid-table and pushing for the play offs, there's not much pressure on you, you can go out and enjoy your football."

Born of fine footballing stock - his father Keith a bona fide Shakers legend and his uncle Alan (of Liverpool fame) now an on-air legend' on Century FM - the full-back's occupation was always likely to be put under the microscope after he broke into the first team under Preece three years ago.

By his own admission, inconsistency has blighted his career so far, but since regaining his place in the back four at the start of the season, signs are encouraging that this may well be the campaign in which Kennedy fulfils his full potential.

Chris Casper's attacking philosophy has given both Kennedy and fellow full-back Paul Scott licence to roam down the wings, an approach which would certainly seem to suit current frontmen Andy Bishop and Glynn Hurst, who have revelled in their improved service.

And Kennedy hopes he can put his unpredictable days behind him with a good run in the first team.

"My form has been indifferent since I came into the team over the last couple of years. I've had a couple of good games, then a couple of bad games, but I need 15 or 20 games of quality and we will see how we go from there," he said.

"I think at times over the years, I've been an easy target. But to be honest, that's made me a stronger person. I've learnt from it and I am determined to improve."