PAWEL ABBOTT goes into battle at Blackpool tomorrow determined to extend his lead in the Coca-Cola League I scoring chart.
The 21-year-old striker is powering along with 11 goals to his name - and nine in his last eight starts - as Town look to close in on the play-off placings with a win at Bloomfield Road (3.00).
Manager Peter Jackson - who gives Andy Booth a 250th League game for the club as replacement for Junior Mendes - is delighted with Abbott's current form and his 16 goals in 32 appearances since joining Town in February.
"When we sold Jon Stead, everyone knew we would need a prolific goalscorer and Pav has certainly filled those boots," said Jackson, who will name five outfield substitutes.
"A goal every other game is an outstanding record, especially as some of those appearances have been from the bench, and Pav has been a superb buy for us.
"Ken Davy made funds available to bring him in (£125,000 from Preston) and I don't think many people realised what a terrific player we were getting.
"The way he is going, he's on course to get 30 goals this season and, while he's not playing in the Premiership or the Championship, I would certainly be having a look at him if I was involved in the Poland international set-up.
"It wouldn't surprise me, either, if someone came knocking on the door from the higher divisions, because good goalscorers are a valuable commodity.
"It's a great credit to all the young, talented players we've got at this club that our directors' box is always full of top-flight scouts when we play.
"Pav certainly falls into that category and if he can stay among the goals over at Blackpool tomorrow then so much the better."
Booth will be making his first start since the 3-3 draw at Bristol City last month after recovering from a hamstring injury and featuring in the last three matches from the bench.
Phil Senior celebrates his 22nd birthday tomorrow by continuing in goal for the injured Ian Gray as 1,900 Town fans make the seaside trip.
