CET From the horses mouth:
"It's a big season for me, especially now that Marlon has gone," said the former Everton player, who revealed he received an unexpected ego boost in the close season when he was linked with interest from his home-town club Southampton, Bristol and Millwall.
"I know that the manager has said that it is time for me to step up. He has given me the No.9 which I am very happy about and I am looking forward to kicking on from last year.
"Getting the number is a nice touch from the manager and little bit of support and statement because he feels that I can kick on to the next level.
"He has also said he is going to play me as a central striker the whole time because a lot of time last season I was pushed out onto the wing or left side of midfield at times, so it will be nice to just play down the middle."