Carrick's Goal Target

Glenn Roeder reckons Michael Carrick should be able to grab half a dozen goals this season.

Michael has scored twice in 41 league starts but Glenn says: "I hope we can get Michael in to score a few goals this year; I wasn't pleased when Michael missed the chance early on in the first half against Newcastle - but I was pleased to see him breaking into the box quickly, and when Paolo's shot came off the keeper he nearly knocked it in.

"I am looking for goals from him and he is looking to score goals himself; he is such a good striker of the ball with his left foot and with his right, from anywhere near the edge of the box.

"I'm sure he can get five or six goals for us this season; if he didn't have that good strike in him I wouldn't be that concerned, I'd be happy with him sitting where he does a little bit deeper, probing and pulling the strings.

"But when he possesses such a good strike in either foot, it is important that he gets to the edge of the box or even into it to get these shots in."

He feels the fitness of Messrs. Kanoute and Di Canio can help create the chances and adds: "Fredi and Paolo are our main two strikers, and form a very good partnership.

"They have a different kind of play but complement each other - Fredi's pace and strength, as well as his technical ability, make it difficult for anyone to mark him.

"That allows Paolo to get on the ball, do his twists and turns, and bring others - such as Don Hutchison getting into the box - into the play with those little passes."

Despite the high standard of last week's win, Glenn is still looking for more this weekend and adds: "I thought the boys put on an excellent performance on Sunday but as a manager or player you should never be 100% satisfied, as there is always room for improvement in any individual or team performance.

"But we set a benchmark there and it is important we maintain that."

And he says the atmosphere at the club has been even better since that first win, adding: "It is not just me but everyone has got a smile on their faces, including Shirley who makes the dinners."

Glenn's main hope now is for an injury free run, and he adds: "We have to keep that small squad fit and healthy so we are used to playing with each other - that is the key."