DEANE Smalley is focused on producing a good performance tom-orrow in the hope it is not his last Oxford United appearance at the Kassam Stadium.

Like the majority of the U’s squad, the striker is out of contract this summer and does not know where he will be playing next season.

An injury to James Constable allowed Smalley an opportunity in the starting line-up last weekend.

He grasped it, helping United to a 1-0 win at Dagenham & Redbridge.

Smalley is likely to start against Rochdale tomorrow, in what is the U’s final home game of the season.

And the ex-Chesterfield hitman, who missed almost four months of the season with a groin injury, is determined to deliver, knowing his future could depend on it.

He said: “I need to put in a good performance in the next two games and so do plenty of others because we’re all fighting for a shirt next year.

“I’ve not played too many games this season because of my injury, so every game I play I feel like I have to prove something.

“I think it is a factor in the next two games, if I don’t put in good performances that could mean I’m not here next season.

“I wouldn’t say it’s like being on a trial, but I do feel I need to perform – the next two games are even more important to me now because I am playing for a shirt next year.”

Smalley was pleased to help United end their five-game winless run last Saturday, but was frustrated not to get on the scoresheet.

He said: “I thought overall I played well, but again I’ve not scored another goal.

“I just need to be a bit more ruthless and hopefully I get a couple of chances on Saturday.”

The former Oldham youth team player is keen to stay, although he readily admits a return of six goals since signing in 2011 has fallen well short of his expectations.

“That’s not even good form for a striker in one season, so in that respect it has been disappointing,” he said.

“But I have had good spells and I’ve enjoyed my time here, so hopefully I’ll be here next season.

“As a striker you can’t be satisfied with scoring six goals in two years.

“I had a full season last year, whether here or on loan at Bradford, that’s not good form and I’ll be hoping to improve on that next year, if I’m still here.”