Determined Jamie McGonigle is targeting 30 goals in his debut season with Crusaders .
The 23-year-old striker got off the mark in fine style on Tuesday night, netting five times in an 8-1 Co Antrim Shield win over Sirocco Works.
It was McGonigle's first start for the Crues since joining the club from Coleraine in the summer, and after he was sidelined for six weeks with bone bruising on his knee.
"I am delighted to get off the mark. The first goal is always the hardest to get, and you hope that gets you up and running," he said.
"I obviously managed to get four more last night so it is great for my confidence going forward.
"I was out for a while and I have been gradually building things up and getting back to full fitness. I am getting there but there is definitely more to come.
"Crusaders have so many quality players, and there are goals all over the team from defence to attack. I just want to chip in with as many as I can.
"We have a big squad here which makes it competitive to get in the team, but that's what you want as a player. You have to work hard and then be ready when called upon."
McGonigle admits his best season at Coleraine came in the 2017/18 season with the Bannsiders lifted the Irish Cup.
He bagged 20 goals that campaign, but he is determined to improve on that tally with his new club.
"I think with the number of chances this team creates, I have to aim for 30 goals. That is the number I have in my head," he added.
"That season with Coleraine was the fittest and strongest I have ever felt, and the goals followed. Now I am working hard to get back to my best and scoring even more goals.
"I am loving it here at Crusaders. Everyone has been great with me and I love the full-time set-up. It’s is really top notch the way it is run."
Looking ahead to Saturday's game against Glenavon at Seaview, McGonigle said: "Hopefully I have played my way into the manager's thoughts. You always want to be playing games.
"But I have just been happy getting the minutes in and gradually building my fitness up after my injury."
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