CHRIS Millar has sat down for talks with manager David Hopkin after being dropped to the bench.

The veteran midfielder only featured once in the Betfred Cup group stages, playing the full 90 minutes against Motherwell in the 4-0 defeat.

Millar has had to take a back seat since and has discussed with Hopkin his limited first-team action and where he stands in his plans this season.

He says he isn’t planning on sitting on the bench and insists that he has a lot to offer ahead of Saturday’s league opener away to Ayr.

The 36-year-old is looking to work his way back into the side and believes he is ready for any opportunity thrown his way.

He told the Tele: “You don’t plan to sit on the bench, nobody does, but the manager picks the team and I’ve just got to get on with it.

“He sets up the team to shape up against a specific opposition. I want to play more but I need to respect his decision because that’s what he’s paid to do.

“To be fair the boys did well against Annan and Dumbarton, I thought that I did well against Motherwell, but I just need to keep working.

“I’ve obviously said to the gaffer I was concerned, and he’s spoken to me about his plans and where I stand with them.

“I want to play as many minutes as possible, whether the manager sees that is another thing.

“I just want to play football. I cherish it, it’s the best job in the world.

“I’m 36, if he picks me brilliant, if he doesn’t then I just need to use that experience in other areas and help other younger players in the squad.

“I’m just happy to be involved and help in areas that I can and hopefully my experience will come into good use in other points of the season.”

Millar highlighted the importance of the Ton’s good early season form and believes that pre-season preparations couldn’t have gone any better for the club.

He said: “All the signings have done well; they’ve come in and showed why the gaffer wanted them.

“The gaffer has strengthened areas really well and got us all fit and playing well.

“We should be beating Annan and Dumbarton because, with all due respect to them, they’re leagues below.

“Our bread and butter is the league and that’s what we’re judged on.”