ONLY two games into the new campaign and Derby County midfielder Jeff Hendrick already looks well on course to overhaul his season's best goal tally.
Hendrick has scored in both of the Rams' games so far, following up his late winner against Rotherham United with the opener in Monday's Capital One Cup tie at Carlisle United.
The 22-year-old hit five goals last season but had to wait until March for his first – in the memorable 5-0 drubbing of arch rivals Nottingham Forest – following a lengthy spell out injured.
The other four came in a five-match spell during April and May, underlining his attacking potential.
Hendrick managed seven goals in 2012-13 and will no doubt be aiming to better that landmark this time around, though he is remaining coy about his personal ambitions.
"I've set a target for myself but I'm keeping it under my hat for now," said the Republic of Ireland international.
"We'll just have to see how that goes – but I've made a good start.
"At the end of last season, I got a few goals and I want to bring that into this year.
"I've got two so far and, hopefully, I can get many more this season.
"There are a lot of games still to play, so maybe I can."
Hendrick has scored 17 goals for Derby in 131 appearances, including 100 League starts.
He is still young and is certainly capable of improving on that strike rate.
Derby's system allows – and requires – players to attack from midfield.
In 2013-14, Craig Bryson weighed in with 16 goals, so maybe this will be Hendrick's season?
Not that it is a foregone conclusion by any means.
Hendrick knows that Derby – one of the favourites for promotion this season after reaching the play-off final last term – will be marked men this time around.
"This season is going to be a bit different to last season as teams are going to know a bit more about us," he said.
"Teams will come here to frustrate us and I think we've got to get used to that.
"When teams come and sit behind the ball like Rotherham did, they are going to be tough games.
"Also, teams will raise their game against the big clubs and I think we're now one of the big clubs in the Championship.
"We've just got to take confidence from that, bring it into the matches – and find a way to win."
cwatson@derbytelegraph.co.uk
