JOHN Thompson said he jumped at the chance to join Notts County on loan, after being frozen out at Oldham Athletic.

And after making his debut in the 1-1 draw against Macclesfield at Meadow Lane, he is determined to help the club rise up the League Two table.

The defender made more than 100 appearances for Nottingham Forest earlier in his career – but has endured a difficult time with injuries since leaving the City Ground.

And he said: "I lived in Nottingham for eight years when I played for Forest so it was great to get the chance to come back here.

"It has been a bit of a nightmare since leaving Forest because I had two serious knee injuries and I have had two operations.

"After that it was just a case of getting back strong.

"I have not had much chance of playing since I got back fit so when the chance arose to come here and play football I jumped at it.

"All I want to do is play games. I was getting a bit frustrated up at Oldham watching the team playing week in, week out."

Magpies' boss Ian McParland was Thompson's boss when he arrived at Forest from Ireland.

"I know the manager here from my Forest days so everything about the move worked out perfectly for me," added Thompson.

"He was my manager when I moved across from Ireland at under-17 level and he has been brilliant to me over the years.

"I want to do everything I can for him and Notts County while I am here."