THE arrival of manager Alan Knill might well bring out the best of struggling Scunthorpe striker Chris Dagnall.

Knill has long been an admirer of the player who he once tried to sign during his days at Rotherham.

After a bright start with United, Dagnall has struggled to find his form at Championship level after stepping up two divisions from League Two with Rochdale last summer.

He is a player who had scored 64 league goals in 201 appearances prior to his switch to Scunthorpe – but only seven in total have come in 37 games for the Iron.

"I have been aware of Dagnall since his young days at Tranmere," said Knill.

"He is a player we tried to sign when I was assistant to Mick Harford at Rotherham.

"He is a really clever player who did well for Rochdale up front alongside both Chris O'Grady and Adam Le Fondre.

"When he signed for Scunthorpe last summer, I thought what a great move it was for him to play at Championship level."

But Knill found a different player when he himself arrived at Glanford Park as manager just over a fortnight ago.

"He was someone when I walked through the door who looked a bit short of confidence," said the United boss.

"It was as if he was wondering what he had done.

"The move here hadn't really worked out for him.

"But you know, you're here now, don't sulk about it, do something about it.

"I really like him as a player with his work ethic and all round performance.

"He is someone who just looks to be coming back into some sort of form.

"I expect Chris Dagnall to get better and better and the only way to do that is to continue to work hard."

The player himself, who celebrated his 25th birthday yesterday, is delighted to have a chance to prove himself again under new management.

"The new gaffer has come in and given everyone a lift," he declared.

"To be fair, I think he is spot on with what he is wanting from us.

"He expects everyone to give 100 per cent.

"Training has been a lot better and he wants us to try to get the ball down and play football.

"He has given us a bit more freedom to try to express ourselves.

"On a personal level I am pleased to be back playing again. I have enjoyed the last two games.

"I feel Joe Garner and myself are a good partnership.

"He is a good player who is good in the air and I can work around him."

Dagnall is aware that he is now one goal behind Garner in the Championship for United.

"I don't mind that, I don't mind if he gets the goals if it keeps us in the Championship," Dagnall insisted.