By John Barnes

Reynolds has become an important part of Motherwell's first team

Motherwell's Mark Reynolds believes the next twelve months could determine the progression of his football career.

Once a target of Rangers, Reynolds remains at Fir Park determined to impress manager Jim Gannon in addition to impressing potential employers.

"I'm happy where I am. Obviously nothing happened in the transfer window that's just closed, " said Reynolds.

"I'm still only 22 and the most important thing is to be playing first-team football week in week out."

Gannon has utilised Reynolds, normally a central defender, in various positions and that could make him more marketable.

The 22-year-old was the subject of a £750,000 bid from Rangers in summer 2008 that was promptly rebuffed by the Fir Park club.

"I've only got a year and a bit left on the contract now, so it's maybe time to start thinking about where the next move is," said Reynolds.

"Motherwell's a club, which brings young players through and then sells them on at a profit. Jim Gannon was famous for that down at Stockport as well.

"I'm in a great position here, I'm playing every week. People can come and see and I can keep plying my trade and learning and hopefully I can step up again."

"Some players like the comfort zone of playing in the one position, they know what to do because it gets easier every week.

"But when you change positions every week there are a lot more demands on you and I'm finding it a great challenge and I enjoy trying to step up to the plate every week."

The former Scotland Under-21 defender also has ambitions of catching the eye of the national manager.

"I know that George Burley and Terry Butcher are watching the games to see who's available," said Reynolds.

"All I can keep doing is play away, keep pushing and try and merit a place in the squad in the future hopefully."

Reynolds will get the chance to try and impress Sir Alex Ferguson this weekend, when Manchester United visit Fir Park on Sunday in the Sir Matt Busby Shield match.

The match commemorates the 100th anniversary of Sir Matt's birth and recognises his contribution to football.

"Sir Alex is probably the most respected manager in world football," added Reynolds.

"So it'd be great to go out and show him you're a bit of a player and that there are good young potential players up in Scotland."

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