SCUNTHORPE United manager Alan Knill is adamant he may well already have the 20-goal-a-season striker he craves.

A search for a prolific front man has so far delivered little in the way of a new addition to the squad.

But, insists the Iron boss, that may not be necessary, with what he believes is a Championship-grade striker within his grasp.

" I think we have got a player who can score 20 goals in the club already," Knill told the Telegraph.

"I think Chris Dagnall is a really good striker.

"He didn't have his greatest season last year, but there are some reasons for that.

"When you watch him, you know that he has all the attributes to score you goals.

"We are hopeful that this season is going to be a different season for him.

"The real Chris Dagnall will step forward because I think he is a top player – he is a Championship player.

"We are trying to get him right and push him to get back to the Championship."

With such a glowing endorsement three weeks before the League One opener at Wycombe Wanderers, Dagnall himself is well aware of what is required, and what needs to be improved upon.

"I don't know why I struggled at times, it is probably down to a number of different things," confessed the 25-year-old.

"This season is going to be a massive one for me, as well as the club.

"But the gaffer wants to play me where I like to play best – and that's right up top.

"I got 20 goals a couple of seasons ago and it would be nice to get somewhere near that again here.

"If I can do that, then it will mean we have done well all round as a team."

Dagnall knows there will be a lot of expectancy this season among United fans.

But it is no different to the pressure being exerted from within the camp.

"It will be a different type of pressure on us," he said, when comparing the forthcoming campaign to the last.

"But it is a much better pressure to play under when you are expected to do well rather then the pressure of being expected to struggle.

"It is important for us to hit the ground running this season and get off to a good start.

"Three points at Wycombe on the opening day would be a great start.

"And a goal for me would make it even better."