LEE CLARK has called on Jordan Rhodes’ fellow frontmen to get among the goals and help keep Town’s League I promotion bid on track.
The 20-year-old top scorer notched his 15th of the campaign and 38th for the club in Tuesday’s 3-2 home win over Plymouth.
But only five goals have come from the other strikers, with on-loan Arsenal man Benik Afobe on three, Lee Novak two and Alan Lee yet to register.
“I’ve talked to the players as a group about being more consistent as a team, and we need to do that individually as well,” said the boss.
“The challenge for each of the strikers, and the players in other positions come to that, is to make themselves regulars.
“For the forwards, getting among the goals will obviously help them do that, and we need to ease the burden on Jordan.
“We’ve been getting goals from the wide areas (Anthony Pilkington has 11 and Gary Roberts seven), but not so much from up front.
“Alan, Lee and Beni are all making contributions, but as strikers, they are ultimately judged on goals.”
Knee injury victim Afobe has been having treatment at Arsenal this week, and Clark believes he could be involved in their FA Youth Cup fourth-round tie at Chelsea on Thursday.
Coming through the Stamford Bridge showdown would put the 17-year-old firmly in the frame for Town’s home clash with Colchester next Saturday.
Clark, meanwhile, says his only worry about Town’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at Arsenal or Leeds being switched to Sunday, January 30 (12.00) for live coverage on ESPN is the inconvenience for fans.
“I played in an era of games being switched from 3.00 on a Saturday, and it’s a sign you’re getting to a higher level,” he said. “I’m not surprised it’s on TV because whoever we play, it will be a cracking tie.”
