Connor Jennings: I'll add more goals to Scunthorpe United tally

THROUGHOUT a frustrating season, Scunthorpe United striker Connor Jennings never doubted he would rediscover his goalscoring touch.

And having found it whilst on loan at Stockport County, he is convinced he can do the same for the Iron.

Jennings has found the net just once in claret and blue, in the Capital One Cup clash at Derby back in August.

Having struggled for game time, manager Brian Laws pinpointed the front man's fitness as a problem when he took over in October.

Three months with the Hatters, for whom he scored eight goals in 15 games, in the Blue Square Premier League have helped with that.

And now Jennings is determined to prove any doubters wrong and show he can cut it in League One.

"I know I can score the goals, I just think the fitness side was the key and I'm feeling a lot fitter," said the 21-year-old, who was also deployed on the right of midfield during his loan spell.

"I'm feeling good and am glad I'm back.

"I feel a lot fitter, a bit brighter and sharper. And I scored some goals as well, which I'm happy about.

"Hopefully I'll prove a point to him (Laws) that I'm fitter now and I'm capable of playing.

"Obviously he thought fitness was a key thing, which it was.

"I've got my fitness now, so hopefully I can prove a point to him.

"Before, I'd just been playing 10 minutes here and there and only made three starts.

"But that's in the past now, I've just got to move forward, think positive and try to get in the team.

"I have to start fresh from now, get my head down and see if I can get in the team before the end of the season."

Although a little reluctant to admit it, Jennings hinted his confidence had taken a hit during a stuttering start to the campaign.

After spending much of last term out of action with a broken metatarsal following his move from Stalybridge Celtic, he had hoped to make a big impact this year.

A lack of game time didn't help, but Jennings says he returns to Glanford Park eager for Scunthorpe fans to finally see the best of him.

"I think all strikers need confidence," he added. "I've got my confidence back, scored a few goals and got my fitness back, so we'll see what happens.

"I'm still looking for that first competitive league goal for Scunthorpe.

"Hopefully it will come.

"I'm looking forward to that goal, whenever it comes."

Dislodging the partnership of Akpo Sodje and Karl Hawley will be a big ask, given both have been key to United's upturn in fortunes, while new arrival James Alabi, on loan from Stoke City, adds further competition to the mix.

Jennings knows he must exercise patience.

"They've been superb. They've got a good bond and play well together," he said of Sodje and Hawley.

"I've just got to learn from them because they're experienced players.

"You never know what's going to happen, so I'll just have to wait and see.

"I'll have to wait until the opportunity's given and hopefully when it's given I can take it.

"I haven't really played that much, so I need to show the fans I am capable and am capable of being here.

"There's plenty of competition, which is always good because it keeps everyone on their toes and keeps them performing."