FORMER Ipswich Town midfielder Billy Clark is targeting 20 goals this season after a flying start to the campaign.

Clark, who joined Bury Town last season, has already netted seven goals in just eight games for the Ryman League Premier Division side.

The 20-year-old, who netted the winner in last Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Wingate & Finchley in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup, admitted that he has taken a season to adjust to the rigours of Ryman Premier football.

“Last season I didn’t join Bury until October and because I had been released by Ipswich Town I did not have a proper pre-season, so I wasn’t fully match-fit.

“Coming into this league last season being out of shape would be hard for anyone, but this season I had a full pre-season and feel fit as a result. It has probably taken me a whole season to get used to the style of football and the physicality of the Ryman League.

“So far this season I have found it okay and got used to it more and done quite well.

“I am pleased with the number of goals I have scored, but not with my performances.

“I didn’t play well last Saturday, although I managed to score the winner, but there is definitely more to come from me.

“Before this season I would have been happy with 15 goals, but I have already scored seven and am now looking to get 20.”

Clark, a former pupil at Northgate High School in Ipswich, admitted he is still chasing the dream of a career in professional football.

“The only thing I have ever wanted to do is to play football. I was a professional at Ipswich, and after I was released nowhere else worked out.

“I have probably dropped down to a level lower than I would have liked to, but I will never give up on playing professionally again.”

In the meantime he is aiming to make it third time lucky with Bury Town.

“Obviously everyone wants to win promotion because the club have missed out in the play-offs in each of the last two seasons, but it would be great to have an FA Cup run and get a draw against a big club,” he added.