DANNY Whitaker is set to make his 200th career appearance against Torquay on Easter Monday.
The one-club man is in his fifth campaign with the Silkmen after resurrecting his career at Moss Rose.
The 25-year-old spent the second half of last season out of favour, but the talented midfielder forced his way back into the starting line-up at the start of this term with a string of blistering performances and has never looked back.
"Iéve had my ups and downs, but Iém back on the up again now," said Wilmslow-born Whit, who is now one of the first names on Brian Hortonés team sheet. "I had a good pre-season and I carried that into the season. Iéve just got to keep going now".
"Ités a great achievement [to reach 200 games] and, to be honest, Iém very surprised. When I first came to Macclesfield I never imagined I would play that many games, or even get into the team so soon. Now I just want to continue playing."
Whitaker was playing for Macclesfield and District after being released by Manchester United when the Silkmen swooped to sign the 19-year-old.
And the fansé favourite is confident he can lead Macc to League Two safety after scoring in Townés 2-1 victory against Wycombe last Saturday.
He said: "We definitely needed the win, especially after being beaten at Chester when we didnét deserve to lose.
"But ités also very frustrating. We seem to play better against the better teams in the league, but when we come up against teams around or below us we always seem to struggle.
"We expected a lot more after last season, but weéve just got to keep going and start again next season."
But the gifted ball-player will settle for safety for now - and a second away League win of the season at Notts County on Saturday, his 199th career appearance.
Whitaker has been as puzzled as anyone by the Silkmenés poor form on the road, but believes the Cheshire clubés improved defensive solidity will stand them in good stead at Meadow Lane.
"We need to improve our away form," he admitted. "The majority of goals weéve given away from home have been sloppy. Theyéve been silly goals that we could have avoided, and we werenét giving those away last season. Thatés been the difference, but weére looking a lot better defensively at the moment."
