Wrexham striker Mike Fondop-Talom says he welcomes the responsibility of spearheading the Reds' attack this season.

Since joining the club on a two-year-deal last month, the 24-year-old has netted five times in six pre-season outings and impressed fans with his imposing physical presence and smart finishing.

A lack of firepower ultimately cost Dean Keates' Wrexham side a play-off berth last season, with Sam Ricketts moving swiftly to redress the balance of his inherited squad.

Now Fondop-Talom is relishing Saturday's National League opener at Dover and is eager to repay the faith shown in him by the Reds manager.

He said: "When the gaffer signed me, the number nine shirt was free and was offered to me.

"I could have chosen another number just to reduce the pressure on my shoulders, but I saw the number and made my mind up that I wanted it.

"To play football you need to have a thick skin, so I went for it and I'm ready to be accountable and wear that number nine shirt with all the responsibility that comes with it.

"I've really enjoyed my time here so far. I always say that as a striker you're always aiming high, no matter what kind of game it is you always want to score.

"For me, banging in the goals especially for a big club like Wrexham fills me with a lot of confidence and makes me want to start this season on a high."

Well-versed in the demands of the National League, Fondop-Talom was vital in Halifax Town's survival last season.

Having gone out on-loan to the Shaymen from Guiseley in March, he netted memorable winners against Boreham Wood and Sutton United to help the Yorkshire side avoid relegation.

In Wrexham's final pre-season match against Forest Green Rovers, Fondop-Talom was deployed in a front three alongside Chris Holroyd and on-loan forward Freddie Hinds.

Experienced Coventry City forward Stuart Beavon has also arrived on a season-long loan, and Fondop-Talom has been impressed with what he has seen from the trio so far.

"I'm happy to bring the extra goal threat to the side, but at the same time the other strikers in our front three have got goals in them too" he added.

"Watching them in training sometimes, they're scoring some amazing goals and so I'm feeling really positive about what's to come this season.

"I don't like talking about my own goal targets for the season, I think people can be too obsessed with that. But I've got a number in mind that I want to reach by January and then another for the end of the season.

"The fans have already been amazing with me here and the applause I've got from them after scoring in our pre-season games has been fantastic and I really like having that relationship with the fans.

"Even away from the pitch some of them keep texting me and sending nice messages on social media. Some of the younger fans are asking me for advice too and I'm trying to give them my time."