ANDY BOOTH is in pole position to finish Town's top scorer but vowed: "I'd rather win promotion."

The 32-year-old knocked Pawel Abbott off top spot for the first time this season when netting his 14th of the campaign in the 1-1 draw at Port Vale.

With Abbott suffering a back injury, Booth could well hold off 12-goal Gary Taylor-Fletcher to be crowned top marksman.

But he explained: "It wouldn't bother me if I didn't score another goal all season as long as we won automatic promotion.

"Going up to the Championship is all that matters and, while it's always nice to score, I never set targets and I'm just happy when we win.

"I'm enjoying being among the goals at the moment (four in two games) and my fitness is good.

"I'm doing a routine with the physio, Lee Martin, on a Monday and Tuesday and then joining the full squad each Thursday and Friday. It seems to be working great."

Town are still third after Oldham were held to a 1-1 draw at struggling Hartlepool last night, while Tranmere enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 home success over Port Vale.

In the Championship Crystal Palace consolidated their place in the play-offs with a 3-1 success over fellow promotion chasers Watford.

Meanwhile, the Academy's Luke Malcher has been called up for the Republic of Ireland Under 18 squad to play friendlies against Hungary in Arklow on Tuesday and Thursday.

Alex Smithies is in the England Under 16 squad for the Montaigu Tournament from April 12-15. Daniel Broadbent is on standby.