Bradley Wright-Phillips is determined to shake off his super-sub tag and make his name as a starter this season, writes ADRIAN KAJUMBA.
Wright-Phillips begun this season as he did last with a goal in a pre-season friendly against Eastleigh at the weekend.
But where last season he went on to get the majority of his 11 goals after jumping off the bench, the former Manchester City striker wants to grab his goals in starting appearances in 2007/08.
"I am not really into that super-sub role and being known as one. We can get rid of that now," said the 22-year-old.
"It's a team game and obviously if you come on you are going to try and get goals for the team. But I want to shake that super-sub idea off.
"I am definitely looking at getting more starts this season. I am going to try and push for a starting role."
Wright-Phillips' 11 goals in all competitions came from 16 starts and 25 sub appearances.
And he is confident that he can up that tally ... if he can start more games.
"Last season I started with a goal here at Eastleigh but the rest of the season wasn't the best for me," said Wright-Phillips, who signed for £750,000 from Manchester City last summer.
"I could have played more but I still got 11 goals in 15 starts and more games as a sub.
"If I can convert that into more games then hopefully I can get more goals."
Saints boss George Burley has challenged Wright-Phillips to build on his debut season and give him a selection headache.
"He has got to push on this season," Burley said. "He didn't command a regular place in the side (last season), but you need to have all your strikers bang on form in this league.
"But he got his goal today and looked sharp. He is a young player who hardly played any first team football at Man City. Hopefully he will keep maturing and push for a first team spot."
Keep up-to-date with Saints on tour in Norway every day this week with our reporter Adam Leitch and photographer Chris Moorhouse - only in the Daily Echo.
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