The Partick Thistle midfielder has until January to convince co-bosses Gerry Britton and Derek Whyte that he has a long -term future at Firhill.
Panther explained: "I was signed last summer by Gerry Collins on a one-year deal and was given a six-month contract recently, so I know I have only a short time left to prove myself.
"Over the summer I made a lot of sacrifices. Everything was geared to putting my football first.
"Nights out have become a thing of the past because when you see the way things are going, a full-time deal is the exception rather than the rule these days.
"You only have to look at the likes of John-Paul McBride, who was here last season. I think he's got a one-month part-time deal at Stenhousemuir.
"And Joe Boyle is now part-time at Albion Rovers and has a day job.
"When you see that happening to guys you once trained with every day you know you've got to give it every last ounce of effort to carve out a career in the game."
Panther's progress has been impressive. A summer of hard graft has seen the youngster develop a powerful physique that he has put to good use with some bone-jarring shoulder charges in the games against Fulham and Brechin.
Panther admitted: "I get a fair bit of stick from the lads about my physique. My parents are from Nigeria, although I was born and raised in Maryhill.
"I have always been brought up to watch my diet but I have worked hard on building myself up.
"In the modern game power and athleticism are very important and it is a dimension I am trying to develop in my game.
"There is no point having a good physique if you don't use it."
Panther is determined to force his way into the first team although he knows competition for places on the right flank is fierce.
He said: "With Billy Gibson, Jean Anis, Andy Gibson, Andy Wilkinson and myself, you have five guys competing for two starting places.
"That must give the gaffers a selection problem, but it is also really good for making every player give it his best shot.
"We are all looking over our shoulders. There is no comfort zone at Firhill now and the players know it."
In the meantime, Whyte and Britton were satisfied with yesterday's closed-door game at Kilmarnock, which finished 1-1.
Thistle's new French signing Armand One headed the Jags' equalising goal before half-time after Killie had taken the lead.
Jags also fielded a French trialist called Leon, and had another look at Spanish midfielder Raul Gutierrez.
Whyte said: "This was a very competitive match, as you would expect from any side Jim Jefferies puts out.
"Armand One scoring our goal and getting 90 minutes under his belt was a huge benefit to us. We will continue to assess the other French trialist at training.
"Raul showed some good touches and we will be speaking to his agent tomorrow.
"We are very pleased with the performance of all the players who featured and reckon this game will serve as a valuable sharpener ahead of Saturday's league opener at Clyde."
