SUMMER signing Jordan Robertson feels he has to work harder than most to prove himself worthy of a place in the Scunthorpe United starting XI.

And that is why the 23-year-old striker is desperate to get the chance to lead the Iron attack in tomorrow's final test of pre-season.

Championship side Barnsley travel to Glanford Park (3pm) for what is Scunthorpe's only friendly in front of their own fans.

And, by his own honest admission, Robertson admits he needs to get 'sharper, fitter and stronger' ahead of the opening League One match of the campaign at Wycombe Wanderers in eight days' time.

"As a new player, I probably have to try to impress the gaffer a little bit more," said the Yorkshireman, who signed a one-year deal with the Iron in June after leaving Scottish side St Johnstone.

"You have to go into training every day and give 110 per cent. The manager has said that from day one to all the players really, since I've been here.

"But I know I have to prove myself to try to get in the starting XI.

"The lads have been excellent at welcoming me and the other new signings.

"I'm enjoying it at the moment, but I'm hoping to improve in some areas and get a bit sharper, fitter and stronger so I'm ready to kick on at the start of the season."

Robertson started Scunthorpe's 2-0 friendly win at Rotherham United on Wednesday, putting in a performance described as 'the best I've seen from him' by manager Alan Knill.

He is battling for one of two likely starting positions up front with predominantly Bobby Grant, Chris Dagnall and Garry Thompson but admits his fitness is not yet at the level he hopes to eventually reach.

"I did all right in parts, but I could do with a lot of improvement," the former Sheffield United trainee continued.

"It was good to get 80 minutes, but I think I've got a little bit more to go (to up his fitness).

"Hopefully I'll get a start under my belt tomorrow and get close to a 90 so I can push on for the first game of the season."

While Robertson felt his own display could have been better, the same does not apply to the Iron's much-improved effort at the Don Valley Stadium.

It was a polar opposite to their Lincolnshire Senior Cup exit at Lincoln City four days previously, with the United striker confident a new-look line-up are starting to click.

"The game against Lincoln seemed to be more about individuals whereas at Rotherham we played much more as a team and were more compact," said Robertson.

"You could see the difference and we showed what we could do as a footballing side.

"The movement off the ball was much better, but I think that is coming with games to be honest and the more games we play we get a better understanding with each other.

"The last couple of games we didn't really show what we could do as a team. Wednesday was probably the first time we've done that."