Dillon Phillips admits playing time between now and the end of the season could dictate whether he stays at Charlton – but insists he is keen to nail down a first-team spot.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper’s contract expires in the summer after the club extended his deal by an extra year last January.

But it was after starting Charlton’s opening six League One games this season that his first-team action was limited to cup ties when Jed Steer was brought in on loan.

Phillips has outlined his aim to remain in the starting 11, however, he’s also reiterated his desire to play week in and week out.

READ: How Bowyer found out Aston Villa loanee had been recalled

When asked whether first-team action could help make a decision on extending his stay at the Valley he said “of course”, adding: “We all want to play football, we're all footballers. I don't want to be somewhere where I'm not going to play.

“I don't want to be seen as a number two goalkeeper because that's not what I am.

“Listen, I've just got to get my head round today and look forward to Saturday [against Sunderland], and then contracts and things like that will take care of themselves.”

The shot-stopper spoke after featuring in Charlton’s 2-1 win over Walsall on New Year’s Day, his first league start since last September.

This season he has played in 11 of Charlton’s 33 games across all competitions so far and admitted to his frustration sitting on the substitutes' bench.

READ: Charlton transfer targets could be signed before Sunderland clash

He added: “Of course yeah, it was horrible. Saturday, for me, was the worst day of the week!

“I don't want to be here watching people play, I want to play. I don't want to sit on that bench, I've done it enough times. I've probably done it 300 times, I don't want to keep doing it.

“I've done it since I was 18 years old. I'm 23 now, I'm ready to play now and hopefully people can see that.”

It comes as Lee Bowyer believes Phillips is a better player now than he was at the beginning of the season.

Bowyer thinks the goalkeeper has improved in key areas and his all-round ability, stemming from seeing the Charlton academy graduate during training.

READ: Player ratings from Charlton's New Year's Day win over Walsall

When asked his thoughts on the comments, he said: “Games improve any player, first-team games improve any player.

“I played the games at the start of the season - seven or eight games, whatever it was - I've had a few FA Cup games and things like that but it's just about having people believing in me, really.

“I know I can do it, I know I'm good enough, it's just having the people around you to prove that to everyone.

“I just want people to trust in me, I know I can do it, so I just want to play now from here until the end of the season.

“That's my aim.”