Dimech told he can leave Mansfield Town

Luke Dimech's future prospects with Mansfield look bleak after stand-in manager Carlton Palmer confirmed that the Malta international is free to leave the club and has transfer-listed his defender.

Talking to the club's official website, Palmer said: "Luke told me that he doesn't feel comfortable in either of the full-back positions which means we have three centre-halves when Rhys (Day) is fit.

"So we feel that if we can get him out to another club this will allow us to progress in other areas... for instance bringing in a centre-half that does feel comfortable in the right-back role to cover that position when needed."

Palmer added: "Before telling the players I had to think long and hard but sometimes for the good of the club these difficult decisions have to be made.

"Having said that, Luke played very well on Saturday against Leyton Orient and with Dave Artell being out through suspension against Darlington (next week) that gives him the opportunity to play and who knows what will happen in the future.

"The one thing that is sure is if he carries on playing well he stays in the team."

Contacted by The Times, Dimech, 27, did not sound worried with Palmer's decision. The former Sliema and Birkirkara player said that at the moment he is focusing on winning his manager's confidence but if he fails to force his way into the team he will look at other options and move to another club in the UK.

"I think it's still too early to say what will happen," Dimech said.

"The manager is still trying to get to know all the players in the Mansfield squad so I still have a lot of time to prove that I can be a good asset to the team in my preferred role at central defence.

"Still, if I fail to convince him I've got plenty of time to look at my future. I guess it's time I make some contacts now and hopefully if Mansfield will not extend my stay I will secure a contract elsewhere in England."

Last month, the English League Two club suspended manager Keith Curle for unspecified reasons and temporarily appointed former England international midfielder Palmer in his place.

So far, Mansfield have yet to win any game with Palmer in charge. Last Saturday, they lost 1-0 at home to Leyton Orient and are currently 16th in the 24-team division with 24 points. Their next league match is an away fixture at Darlington.

Dimech initially left Malta to join Ireland's Shamrock Rovers before returning for a brief stint with Birkirkara. At the start of the 2003/04 season he joined Mansfield as a free agent, forming an effective central defensive partnership with Artell as the Stags reached the Third Division play-offs.

Dimech is not the only Mansfield player who could be on his way out.

Midfielder Alex Neil has also been told by Palmer that he is no longer needed and was free to move elsewhere.