Mackail-Smith wants competition

Peterborough United striker Craig Mackail-Smith has said it is vital the club add to their attacking options.

Posh currently have just Mackail-Smith, Aaron Mclean and youngster Ben Wright as recognised forwards.

Mackail-Smith, 25, told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "We won't always be able to go with me and Aaron up front because people will figure us out.

"If we had someone else who was taller, could hold the ball up and flick the ball on it would add a lot."

Whilst the likes of George Boyd and Shaun Batt can operate up front, adding to their forward options is a priority.

Boss Darren Ferguson has failed in bids for Livingston's Leigh Griffiths and Stockport's Oli Johnson.

Nevertheless, Posh have a solid basis from which to work with Mackail-Smith and Mclean having scored over 40 goals between them in each of the past two seasons.

Chairman Darragh MacAnthony has already backed Mackail-Smith to find the net at least 25 times in his first season of Championship football.

"It's great that the chairman has confidence in me to go out and repeat what I did last season," the former Dagenham and Redbridge man said.

"I didn't set a target last season and ended up scoring 26, so hopefully if I do the same this season I can score as many."

Few of the Posh squad have any experience of Championship football with many - like Mackail-Smith - having started their careers in non-league.

He says it is hard to believe the club are just one promotion away from the Premier League.

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" Personally I think it will prove to be very difficult for anyone coming in to win over the supporters, because we've been spoilt having McLean and Mackail-Smith. "

"It's been a great ride, I've believed in myself every step of the way and it was just a matter of time before I got to where I am.

"To have come from Dagenham to playing in the Championship next season is a dream come true and I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Meanwhile, the club have announced squad numbers for the coming season.

None of the club's 11 remaining transfer-listed players including Sergio Torres and Chris Westwood have been handed a squad number.

Paul Coutts moves up to number seven from 15, Tommy Williams becomes three and Gabby Zakuani is now five.

New signings, Tommy Rowe and Toumani Diagouraga become 14 and 15 respectively.

Batt moves up to 19 with Wright now at 20.

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