By Amanda Little

Last updated at 12:30, Thursday, 24 July 2008

Carlisle United marksman Danny Graham is determined to break the 20 goals barrier next season – and prove he’s the best striker in League One.

Danny Graham

Graham admitted he was hugely disappointed with his haul of 17 goals last season after enduring a nightmare 19-game barren run stretching from mid-October to February.

The powerful, young frontman revealed it was the worst time of his career and it prevented him from achieving his ambition of scoring 20 goals.

Graham rediscovered form and confidence in the final four months of the season, and the 22-year-old former Middlesbrough trainee is now determined to start the season in style when United kick off on August 9.

Graham said: “I’ve set myself a target of 20 goals for the season and hope to achieve that.

“I got 17 last year in all competitions and I want to build on that next season, and get a few more.

“I was disappointed with how many I get last season to be honest as I had set a target of 20. I had a long spell when I didn’t score, but if I hadn’t had that I might have achieved the total I wanted.

“The only consolation was that Joe Garner was firing in goals then which helped the team.

“Luckily, the club stuck by me which was the pleasing thing – and hopefully it’s something I won’t endure in my career again.

“It was a difficult time for me and I had to dig deep. Once I got going against and got a good run, my confidence came back. I’m determined to kick off the season well and help the team get off to a good start.

“I’ve come back in pre-season in good shape, like the rest of my team-mates, and the gaffer was pleased with everyone’s fitness.

“You need to look after yourself and keep yourself in shape over the summer, and then build it up when you come back.

“I was out doing runs and I also met up with Kevin Gall a few times and we trained together.

“I’m looking forward to getting more match fitness. As a footballer, match fitness is the most important thing during pre-season.”

Graham began last season in great style with nine goals in his first 13 games, gaining a reputation as one of the deadliest strikers outside the Premiership.

United beat off competition from Championship clubs to sign the big, strapping striker permanently last summer following his release from Middlesbrough.

Several clubs were alerted to his potential when he was in top form last season, and Graham would love to return to a Premiership club one day.

He said: “It’s always nice to be linked with other clubs, but I haven’t heard anything concrete.

“That sort of thing is the last thing on my mind as I’m a Carlisle player and I want to focus on doing well for the club.”

First published at 11:45, Thursday, 24 July 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk