KWAME THOMAS is determined to continue scoring the goals that will play him into the starting XI when Wrexham kick-off the 2020-21 National League campaign.
The Reds began their pre-season programme with a 4-1 win over Cymru Premier neighbours Cefn Druids in a behind closed doors friendly at The Racecourse on Tuesday.
Summer signing Thomas, who finished last term at Burton Albion and has also played for the likes of Notts County, Blackpool, Coventry, Solihull and Doncaster since starting his career with Derby, made the ideal start to his Reds' career by scoring a brace in the victory.
And although the goals - Thomas opened his account with a header before converting a penalty in a 45 minute run-out - came in a friendly, try telling the 24-year-old that they are any less important.
"As a striker especially, it doesn't really matter if it is a friendly or the Champions League final, if you score you are happy," said Thomas.
"And when you are joining a new club, it doesn't really matter what sort of game it is; if you get a goal, it gets your confidence up and gets it off your back, even if it is not a competitive goal.
"It was good to get into good habits and hopefully me and all the other strikers can carry it on into the season which is the main thing."
Thomas will compete with fellow new signings Jordan Ponticelli and Adi Yussuf, and first year professional Jake Bickerstaffe, for a place in Wrexham's attack when the National League season starts on October 3.
Eager to be included in the side for the opening day home match against Boreham Wood, Thomas knows more goals in the five remaining friendlies can help cement his place.
"I have learnt in my career that you can't look to things that are out of your control," said Thomas.
"The manager picks the team, all I can do is come in every single day and try my hardest.
"And when I am given the opportunity on the pitch, try and do what I did against Druids which is score goals and cause problems.
"Then leave the rest to the manager.
"Obviously as a striker you are judged on your goals so if you keep scoring, you keep playing.
"If you don't score, you won't play. It is that simple really."
Thomas was paired in attack with Yussuf - a former Solihull team-mate - for the first half.
Pleased to renew acquaintances with Yussuf, Thomas also has a familiar face in Ponticelli, who wasn't risked in the friendly because of a knock.
And with Bickerstaff also in the frame, there is strong competition for a place in Dean Keates' attack.
"Me and Adi played together at Solihull but we weren't actually up top together," said Thomas.
"In a weird way we were both on the wing.
"We have always wanted to play up top together, I know that we can both be a handful.
"But it is the same with JP as well. I played with him at Coventry so it is the same thing, I know both of them and have got good relations with both of them.
"Even those two together in training look sharp so I think we have got some good combinations which depending on what the game is, we can hurt the opposition."
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