Danny wants to be crowned top scorer

By Mel Henderson

DANNY Haynes has set his sights on being crowned Ipswich's leading scorer this season.

The 18-year-old striker is set to start against rock-bottom Brighton at Portman Road tomorrow, when he hopes to add to his four-goal tally.

Just one more will take him level with joint leading marksmen Jimmy Juan and Sam Parkin - but Haynes wants to do even better over Town's remaining four games.

With another four-goal striker, Alan Lee, still bothered by a persistent groin injury, the Londoner is in with a chance of becoming the club's youngest-ever top scorer.

Haynes said: “It would be a great end to the season if I could finish up as top scorer and I don't see why I shouldn't be able to do it.

“Obviously, it could have been a better season for the club, but from a personal point of view I am quite happy with the way it has gone.

“At the start of the season I was only thinking about taking it step by step, playing to the best of my ability and hoping things would fall into place for me.

“I've only really had half a season as a member of the first team squad and I can do better. There is definitely more to come from me.

“To be honest the season has flashed by. It has gone a bit too quickly for me, so I am keen to do as well as I can during what's left of it.”

No matter what happens in the games against Brighton, Watford, Derby and Plymouth, the eager youngster will be working hard during his summer break.

He added: “We are all being given our own fitness programmes. It's not a case of switching off after the last game and doing nothing again until we come back for pre-season training.

“I need to improve my stamina and strength, so some of the time will be spent doing weights. I'll be looking to come back in July in better shape.”

Haynes' resolve to make a success of his career was stiffened by his own rejection by Charlton and older brother Junior's misfortune at Tottenham.

He said: “When I got released I went all over the place having trials. I was determined not to let it affect me. I was down at first but I was desperate to get back on track.

“I went to Norwich, Crystal Palace, Bolton, Notts County and others. I had offers from some of them but this was where I wanted to be and I've no regrets.

“My brother was at Spurs as a youngster. He was also a forward and Sol Campbell was a year below him. But then he got injured and that was the end for him.

“I've had a lot of tremendous advice from people here - the manager and his coaching staff - but Junior has also helped me here and there. He comes to games when he can.

“Knowing how it all ended for him makes me realise how lucky I am. He is always encouraging me to make the most of my opportunity.”

“At the start of the season I was only thinking about taking it step by step, playing to the best of my ability and hoping things would fall into place for me.

“I've only really had half a season as a member of the first team squad and I can do better. There is definitely more to come from me.

“To be honest the season has flashed by. It has gone a bit too quickly for me, so I am keen to do as well as I can during what's left of it.”

No matter what happens in the games against Brighton, Watford, Derby and Plymouth, the eager youngster will be working hard during his summer break.

He added: “We are all being given our own fitness programmes. It's not a case of switching off after the last game and doing nothing again until we come back for pre-season training.

“I need to improve my stamina and strength, so some of the time will be spent doing weights. I'll be looking to come back in July in better shape.”

Haynes' resolve to make a success of his career was stiffened by his own rejection by Charlton and older brother Junior's misfortune at Tottenham.

He said: “When I got released I went all over the place having trials. I was determined not to let it affect me. I was down at first but I was desperate to get back on track.

“I went to Norwich, Crystal Palace, Bolton, Notts County and others. I had offers from some of them but this was where I wanted to be and I've no regrets.”