Mansfield Town midfielder Otis Khan feels he is getting ‘better and better’ following Saturday’s man of the match performance at Walsall.
The 24-year-old registered his third assist in his last four appearances as he picked out Andy Cook with a pinpoint cross to set up the opener in Stags’ eventual 2-1 victory over the Saddlers.
Manager John Dempster referred to Khan as ‘unplayable at the moment’ following Saturday’s display. The ex-Sheffield United youngster attributes this to his ‘confident’ and ‘positive’ mindset he currently has when he steps onto the pitch.
“I’m enjoying myself, playing how I know I can play,” he began. “Ever since I was young I’ve always loved taking people on so I got into that mindset, played freely and helped my teammates out.
“I feel like I’m getting better and better, my confidence is rising higher and higher. I’m playing on the left which I enjoy. I’m happy to be in the team, doing the best for myself and the club, which is all I can do and I’m doing it right.
“I’ve had a really good month so far - except from the Salford game we’ve had some really good results. In the weeks commencing, if we can keep winning, everyone will be confident. When there’s that buzz around the place and everyone’s happy it makes you feel confident in yourself.
“There’s definitely still more to come [from me], I got the assist [on Saturday] for Cooky [Andy Cook] but I still need to get that all important goal,” he said.
After notching what was his fourth assist of the campaign, Khan is confident that there is more to come, saying: “I’m getting into good positions, I know where the strikers are going to be so it’s just about getting the ball into a good area because I know they’ll finish their chances.
“Obviously we’ve changed recently to the 4-4-2 formation, so we’ve been working on that more on the training ground. Cooky’s come in with his aerial presence and strength so I think the stuff we’ve been doing in training has definitely helped with our game.”
On creating what was Cook’s third goal in three games, he said: “I know what his strengths are, headers, winning the ball in the air. So if I beat my man and get the ball in he’s got a really good chance of scoring.”
Currently only three teams can better the Stags’ away record, however, only five sides can total lower points tallies than the amber and blue on home turf. Due to this, the offensively-versatile Khan is focused on making One Call Stadium a ‘fortress.’
“That’s one of the top priorities [improving home form]; you want to make your home ground your fortress. That’s where you get most of your fans. You want teams coming to your place knowing they’re in for a tough game.”
The Stags are back on home soil this Saturday against Colchester United as they look to earn their third win of the season at the One Call.
Looking ahead to the match, the in-form Khan said: “I’m expecting a tough game; we know we’re a good team, coming in off the back of a win so we have great confidence going into it. When we’re at our best we know we can beat any team in this league.”
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