LEE NOVAK goes hunting goals and points against Nottingham Forest tonight and told Huddersfield Town’s fans: “It’s time for lift-off!”
The 23-year-old has become a massive club favourite since arriving from non-league football three and a half years ago and will lead the attack at the John Smith’s Stadium if Jordan Rhodes (hamstring) misses out.
After successive blanks against Preston and Cardiff, Novak is keen to help Town break their goal duck and put points on the board (7.45).
“Forest had a good win on Saturday against Bristol City and will want to back that up with another, but we are very determined to get our first win on the board,” said Novak.
“It was heartbreaking not to get at least a point down at Cardiff after such a good team performance, and if we play like that against Forest then we’ll have a good chance of the three points.
“We have got a lot of confidence that we can do well at this level – I think the performance against Cardiff showed we’ve got nothing to fear – because we have added quality to the squad and, hopefully, we can mark our first home league game with a win.”
Novak called on the fans to provide ‘Wembley-style’ backing and said he’s happy to play as the lone frontman if Rhodes misses out and manager Simon Grayson goes for a 4-5-1 team shape.
“It’s hard work up there on your own, especially against established Championship defenders, but I’m happy to do it if the team wins,” he said.
“I haven’t set any targets for goals this season – I’m sure Jordan didn’t set out with a target of 40 last season! – but if I can do half as well as that I’ll be happy, as long as we establish ourselves.
“I’m sure there are people around who don’t think I can do the business at this level, but I’m more than confident I can. The main thing is that we put on a performance, the fans get right behind us like they did at Wembley and all through last season and that we don’t disappoint, because it would be great to get off the mark in our first home game.”
