Striker Lee Novak is keeping quiet about his goal tally target for the 2019/20 campaign but last season’s leading marksman was pleased be among the goals for the Iron in the warm-up games.
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He told iFollow Iron: “I’ve set myself a target but I’m not going to be telling anyone! I said last year I’d go into every game trying to score as many as possible, and if I can’t score then to contribute with assists and work hard for the team.
“To me, it (goals in pre-season) still counts. It’s good to get off the mark. Getting goals early is a good start.”
While his individual aims might be confidential, the 30-year-old was open about how much he’s enjoying his time at the Sands Venue Stadium, extending his stay in North Lincolnshire earlier in March.
He continued: “I love it. The first season was a bit disrupted with injuries but I managed to get a few goals. Last year, there was the disappointment of relegation, and I did get a few goals but you’d swap that to still be in League One.”
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s opening fixture against Swindon Town, he revealed he is relishing the healthy competition amongst the Iron’s strike force.
“It brings out the best in you and that’s what you want in every position,” he explained. “The gaffer said that as well. You need competition and the strikers here are very good. Everyone’s fit and raring to go.
“You’ve got to put your stamp down and hope you’ve done enough to get in the team.”
He is expecting a tough test from the Robins but maintained the team are ready, with final preparations underway.
“We’ve talked about them and they’ve got a good team and the way they want to play. It’ll be a tough test but one we’re confident for,” he added.
“I can’t wait now – Saturday can’t come quick enough! It’s been a long, tough pre-season from day one. We had a tough week away in La Manga.”
Manager Paul Hurst offered Novak and his teammates some final words of wisdom for the weekend.
“He just said let’s forget about last season and put it behind us. We’ve shown what a good team we are in pre-season and do what we know we can do,” Novak concluded.
“We need to give the fans what they want.”
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