Fleetwood keeping quiet over goal target

He said: “I always set them personally, but you don’t usually tell people so the pressure isn’t on me.

“I’ve always got a figure in my head and once I reach that I go from there.

“I don’t beat myself up too much if I don’t get there, so long as I’m playing well and creating opportunities for other people.

“I could go the whole season without scoring a goal but if we got promoted I wouldn’t be fussed at all.

“Very much this year is the team aspect of it rather than the individual goals.

“But as a striker I am based on my goals as well.”

Competition and versatility up front is also helping the rejuvenated 26-year-old, who is vying for his shirt against the likes of Jon Shaw, Scott Rendell and Andre Gray.

He said: “Me and Andre are quite similar as we’re quick and very direct and like to get in the box and score goals.

“Then you’ve got Jon Shaw and Rendell who hold the ball up well and are target men, they can bring us into play.

“It might be the season where some players are used for different situations.

“Like the difficult teams away on a Tuesday night where we might have to grind out a 1-0 win, where the bigger players and target men are more involved and then the quick, direct players are used at home.

“It may be that sort of squad rotation.

“But we’ve got so many options that the manager can do that and we all understand we may be used in different circumstances.

“As a striker you need a bit of competition to keep you on your toes.

“With the players we’ve brought in, I’ve played against Scott Rendell many a time.

“He’s a great striker who brings a different threat to the team with his height, awareness and touch.

“Then Jon Shaw as well who was prolific last season and been prolific at most clubs he’s been at.

“He’s a great addition at this level.

“I think that’s what you need.

“You need a 30-goal man and I think with us four you’ve got a few that could reach that target.

“Maybe the goals will be spread around a lot this year because you don’t know who’s going to be playing and who’s going to be in the team.

“With that sort of strikeforce we are hoping goals won’t be a problem.

“As strikers we’re based on our goals.

“Whatever formation we play and whatever team is picked the players will be going out there to score.

“On the others hand if the two lads or three lads that are starting aren’t doing the business then you’ve got the armoury on the bench to come on as well.

“It’s an ideal conundrum to have for the manager and to have that sort of firepower is something you definitely need to get out of this league.”

All of the strikers have had chances and missed this season, but the fact the Hatters are creating them is the most important thing according to Fleetwood.

He said: “We are all good finishers in our own right and we’ve got no qualms with missing chances.

“It’s when the chances dry up that you need to start to worry.

“We’ll keep plugging away and I’m sure another one of us will score.

“As a striker if you’re missing chances you don’t beat yourself up too much because you are in the right position or you are creating chances yourself.

“You’re doing a job by creating those chances and eventually they’ll start going in.

“Yes it’s a confidence thing, but if you’re not getting chances during a game that’s when you need to start worrying and rethink.”

Finally playing more centrally after being used out wide last term is also helping the striker’s renaissance.

He added: “Last year I was in and out and played in a various amount of positions, which I’m not fazed by.

“I will play wherever I’m asked to and try and do a job as much as I can.

“But I think when I’ve played down the middle last season, that’s where most of my goals and probably my best performances have come from.

“So that’s my ideal position but if I’m asked to play elsewhere I’ll try and put my all into that and do my job for the team.

“I do feel settled, I do feel a big part of this team.

“The manager’s told me this year I’m going to be a big part of it and that’s what I want.

“I’m 26 now and I’m a senior member of this team with a lot of young lads coming through.

“I definitely feel part of it and my one main aim is to get out of this league.”