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Every performance from now until the end of this A-League campaign will be crucial for Wollongong-born Sky Blues defender Matt Jurman.
Signed to a one-year deal last May, the 24-year-old is one of many Sydney FC players still uncontracted for next season in the harbour city.
Management have currently agreed to deals with 11 players for the 2014-15 campaign, with Jurman's regular partner in central defence Nikola Petkovic signing a new two-year contract less than a week ago.
Jurman, on the other hand, is yet to put pen to paper and is locked in a battle to keep his spot in the starting side after the Sky Blues signed experienced Socceroo Sasa Ognenovski during the week for the remainder of this season.
While fitness concerns for Ognenovski could allow him to keep his spot in the Sky Blues defence today against Adelaide United, Jurman knows it's more important than ever to put on a polished display.
"The club hasn't spoken to me [about a new deal] but as long as I am doing my job on the field that will all take care of itself I guess," Jurman said.
"They have signed Sasa but I need to worry about myself and make sure I have a big game and try and keep myself in the team as much as I can."
After taking some time to crack the starting side this season, Jurman has recently seen regular action alongside Petkovic in the back four.
The departure of Brazilian defender Tiago Calvano - the player Ognenovski is replacing - opened the door for the lanky Dapto product to stake his claim for a new contract.
"Sometimes it is hard, especially in the backline, trying to get used to different players. But now we have played the last few games together at the back I think we have it pretty down pat," Jurman said.
"I have played with Seb (Ryall) and Nikola (Petkovic) and am now pretty confident and comfortable with those two playing either side of me."
Sydney FC remain in the top six, despite a disappointing 2-1 loss to the 10-men Melbourne Heart last week.
A win against Adelaide, who sit one point below them on the ladder, would help shore up their final series ambitions.
"Hopefully we can get back to the level we produced the week before in Melbourne against the Victory," Jurman said.
"It was a bit disappointing with the result last week but hopefully we can bounce back this weekend. You need to win these games, it is very important."