‘I want to reach 20 goals’

Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood says he wants to “score more” and has “confidence” in himself to do so.

The 32-year-old scored 14 Premier League goals in 31 games last season to help the Reds avoid relegation.

That’s as many goals as he has scored in the Championship since the 2019-20 campaign with Burnley.

“I see it as a positive season personally and also as a team because we are still on the up again,” Wood told BBC East Midlands Today.

“Second season syndrome is very difficult – it happens to a lot of teams. They stick around the first season and then fall off the next, so getting over that hurdle is big.

“It’s good for the club and now it gives us the desire to move forward and do better. I want to do more as a player and as a striker. I want to score more. I want to score 20 goals and get as high as possible, both for the goal tally and goals and for the team in general.”

The New Zealand international has regained his form after struggling during 12 months with Newcastle Unitedwho he joined for £25m in January 2022 and where he has scored just five goals in 39 games.

“I know for myself that if I play enough I will score a good number of goals,” Wood added.

“I believe in myself and I believe my teammates believe in me too. It’s just about finding a situation that works well.

“Having the trust of the incoming coach is important and Nuno gave me a lot of responsibility to go out and score. It was something I wanted and thrived on and I hope I gave back in that sense.”