St Mirren striker Steven Thompson has set his sights on banging in a record number of goals this season as he aims to shoot the Paisley club up the SPL table.
The experienced hitman was Saints’ top scorer during the 2011/12 campaign, bagging an impressive haul of 16 goals in what proved to be the most prolific season of his career.
And former Dundee United, Rangers, Cardiff City and Burnley forward Thompson has followed that up by netting 11 goals so far this season.
Now, at the age of 34, Thommo is confident he can set a new record – and help Saints clinch a place in the SPL’s top six at the same time.
He told Express Sports: “There was a bit of pressure on me to replicate the number of goals I scored last season but it’s a challenge I look forward to.
“I’ve turned 34 now but my fitness is not a problem and I am still banging in goals, so I won’t be taking my foot off the pedal.
“Last season was incredible for me because of the number of goals I scored and that put a real shine on things.
“I don’t see why I can’t beat last season’s tally - we’ll see what happens.”
Former Scotland striker Thompson has been in fine form in recent weeks, scoring four goals in St Mirren’s last four outings.
His performances also helped the Buddies gain eight points out of a possible 12 over the festive season.
And, as he recharges his batteries during the SPL’s short winter break, Thommo admits Saints will need to show that sort of consistency in the months to come if they are to achieve their dream of a top six finish.
He added: “We had been on a really poor run, when we lost six games in a row, and it was difficult during that spell.
“There’s no doubt that being on that kind of run puts pressure on you but we turned things around in recent weeks.
“It’s vital that we don’t get into the habit of winning one or two games and then start losing again.
“We should be competing higher up the table than we are, so there’s still a lot to do to get there.
“The main thing is that we’re heading in the right direction and, with everyone on their game, we can hopefully string together a long run of good results.”
