By Amanda Little

Last updated at 12:34, Thursday, 24 July 2008

Grant Smith admitted he is relieved to have his Carlisle United future sorted – and now he plans to chip in with goals.

Grant Smith

The much-travelled midfielder, who has had 14 clubs during his career, penned a new one-year contract last week after joining them on a short-term deal during last season’s promotion push.

Smith is among a cluster of midfielders battling for a place in John Ward’s side for the coming campaign and he know he has to weigh in with more goals if he is to become a first choice.

The 28-year-old Scot faces a tough task to match his best season’s tally when he scored 10 goals in 27 game for Bristol City in the 2005-06 season, with all his strikes coming in the final five months of the season.

“I was very disappointed with my goals ratio last season – and I know I have to score more next season,” admitted Smith, whose only goal was in a 3-0 win over Leyton Orient in March.

“I had a few chances and I should have had five goals when I ended up with only one.

“Scoring is part of my game as I’ve always got a few goals from central midfield.

“I scored a lot for Bristol City but I don’t think I will be able to equal that because it was a good record.”

Boss John Ward insists there is still a lot more to come from Smith, who was playing catch up with his fitness when he arrived at Brunton Park in February after a spell in Finland with HJK Helsinki.

He was still trying to battle back to fitness after breaking his wrist but then became a regular fixture in the United side which reached the League One promotion play-offs.

He said: “I’m glad my contract has been signed and now I can concentrate on my game. It’s been a tough pre-season but being away for the week in Glasgow really helped me settle in and get to know people.

“It was good to meet the new boys Josh Gowling and ben Williams and it helped them settle in.

“I’m getting a full pre-season under my belt rather than coming in unfit. It’s important for me to get my fitness up.

“It’s like starting again after joining Carlisle midway through last season and I’m aiming to do as well as I can.”

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