Striker’s goals

PROGRESS and more goals is the name of the game for Jonson Clarke-Harris as preparations intensify ahead of Athletic’s new Sky Bet League One campaign.

The powerhouse forward scored eight goals in all competitions last season following his switch from Peterborough United a year ago.

Manager Lee Johnson — who has shaken hands on deals for two new players, both of whom are expected to sign deals in time for tomorrow night’s friendly against Premier League giants Newcastle United at SportsDirect.com Park — rates Clarke-Harris highly.

That goals tally, creditable for a young striker in his first full campaign, has also helped impress visiting scouts, with Wolves among the clubs thought to have taken an interest in his progress. However, Clarke-Harris wants more in 2014-15.

Pre-season has gone well so far with him bagging three goals in the two games against Steaua Bucharest and Curzon Ashton, so it is about

pushing on — and staying injury-free — ahead of the League One opener at Colchester on August 9.

Clarke-Harris (19) said: “I’ve been happy to get the three goals so far, but most of all the pre-season has been about fitness and it has been good to get match time under my belt.

“I turned my ankle a little bit on Thursday, but it’s fine now and I feel I’ve got the most I possibly could have done out of the two games so far.

“I am delighted to have got the three goals. I just need to build that momentum as the proper season approaches.

“I had a decent season last time, but I want and need to progress now.

“I need to score more goals and be more of an all-round football player this season.

“It’s looking good so far in pre-season, so I’ve got to be happy with that.”

The next test for Athletic is the fixture against Alan Pardew’s Newcastle, but Clarke-Harris is relaxed and looking forward to hopefully keeping his run of scoring going on home soil.

“It’s a different proposition against a strong team of course,” added Clarke-Harris.

“Newcastle will bring a number of first-teamers, but it is another game for us and we’ve started our pre-season well.

“We want to put on a decent show at home, and we’ll be confident.

“It doesn’t matter that we’re up against a Premier League club, we’ll be going for the win.”

Admission prices for the Newcastle game (7.30pm kick-off) have been set at £15 adults and £5 over-65s and under-16s.

The Verlin Stand is closed for home supporters, who can either go in the George Hill Main Stand or the Zen Office Chaddy End.

FORMER Athletic loan man Gary Harkins was on the score sheet for his new club Dundee as they saw off reigning Barclays Premier League champions Manchester City 2–0 in a friendly at Dens Park.

After being brought down in the penalty area by Dedryck Boyata, Harkins (29) saw his spot-kick saved by new City goalkeeper Willy Caballero before slotting home the rebound.

Dundee doubled their lead through Luka Tankulic.