Boss Joe Royle says he has been pleased with the way Sam Parkin has started his Town career, despite the frontman's failure to hit the net during pre-season.

Royle said: "There is absolutely no cause for concern. I would far rather he had a bit of a drought now than when the season gets underway.

"Sam would love a goal - he's a striker after all - but we have seen this before with other players. Everything else about his game is fine. His hold-up and link-up play is excellent and he is still going in to all the right places.

"We're not worried that he hasn't got off the mark yet. You only have to look at his record to see he has goals in him. He has been a bit unlucky. He's missed chances and keepers have denied him with good saves, but overall we are very pleased with him and I am sure that first goal isn't far away."

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