Isaac Hayden is eager to increase his goal tally after breaking his Newcastle duck at Doncaster Rovers last night.
The record books won’t show this in his official tally but the centre back told NUTV that he wants to be amongst the goals when the Championship season begins:
“I think last season, I maybe should have got a few more.
“I’m confident enough in my ability to shoot from distance, to take shots on and try new things in the final third, but I think it’s something I can work on and certainly add to my game.”
It’s one thing to have a defender believing they need to contribute more toward keeping clean sheets but unusual to see them admit that they should score more often.
Hayden is displaying a mature attitude toward the task at hand, recognising that whilst goalscoring is the prime responsibility of those further up the pitch, defenders have to chip in as well.
More importantly, he spoke of the promotion aspirations. The club, he believed, ought to be in the top flight but there was a sincerity in his delivery which suggests he genuinely believes the words he is saying rather than offering a platitude. Perhaps the cynicism that football experience brings has yet to rub off on him but the enthusiasm for the task ahead is most welcome.