CONFIDENT striker Jon Stead is itching to get cracking against Derby tomorrow.

The 20-year-old hit an opening day double after keeping Andy Booth out of the side and is now looking for more.

He is refusing to set a target for this season - "I did that last year and got nowhere near" - but he caught the eye of manager Peter Jackson, rival boss John Taylor and 10,319 fans.

"I'm just delighted to be scoring because all the hard work I've done in the gym and in pre-season to build myself up is now paying off," said Stead, whose brother Andrew was the only family present to see him star.

"I couldn't have dreamed for anything better apart from a win and I'm really happy with the way it went.

"I saw where the keeper was for the first one and just slotted it past him, while the second was just from confidence.

"They were a big strong side and the heat was unbearable, but I managed to force myself a half chance and just have a go."

On Booth, Stead added: "Andy is a tremendous player and it's going to be difficult for anyone to take his place. If he's not in the team, though, he's a great man to have on the bench."

Jackson commented: "Jon Stead was outstanding, he has come back strong and fit and you can see why he's keeping Andy Booth out of the side. He was superb and he'll cause problems for defences all season."

Taylor said: "I was very impressed by Stead, he's a handful, but I thought we were well worth our draw."

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