Santa cruising to goal target

Striker is enjoying a fine first season in England

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 25th March 2008

Roque Santa Cruz Blackburn

Santa Cruz: Goal threat

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Roque Santa Cruz is confident that he can smash through the magical 20 goal barrier this season.

The Paraguayan international has already found the target 18 times this season, surpassing all expectations since his arrival from Bayern Munich, but insists that he is not done yet.

He fully intends to notch at least another two in Rovers' remaining seven games, a feat which would then take him past the benchmark by which all good strikers are judged.

Opportunities

"I am very happy with my total of 18 goals so far," Santa Cruz told the Lancashire Telegraph.

"I am just going to keep trying for the rest of the season and, hopefully, keep scoring.

"My first season has gone well but I won't be happy unless I keep scoring so we will see how things go.

"Twenty is seen as the magic number but who knows? Let's just see how far I can I go before the end of the season.

"The philosophy of the team, and how they play, affect how many opportunities you get as a striker.

"As a striker, you could end up with less chances to score (if the team doesn't play well)."

Outstanding

Rovers boss Mark Hughes paid just £3.8million for the striker's services last summer and admits that the signing is beginning to look like his best piece of business in the transfer market since he arrived at Ewood Park.

"You only have to look at the amount of goals he has scored in his first season in English football to see he's been different class," Hughes said.

"He works hard, he scores goals, and he's effective.

"I think the only problem he has had in the past has been injuries but it looks like he's going to go through this season fit, and if he does that then it will be a big step for him.

"If his fitness isn't a problem, then I think he will score goals and put in top-class performances - no danger.

"It would be an outstanding achievement if he scored 20 goals in his first season in England, and I don't see any reason why he won't.

"Since he's come here, he's been unreal, very much like Benni (McCarthy) was last year.

"It's unbelievable and fair play to the manager for bringing him here."