Francis on the goal trail for Linnets

King's Lynn's big money summer recruit Joe Francis aims to stay on the goal trail in today's pre-season trip to Ridgeons Premier Norwich United. (3pm)

The confident 20-year-old has struck three times in four outings since his Woodbridge Town switch. Francis was on the mark during the midweek 4-0 romp at Wroxham after opening the scoring in last weekend's heavy 5-1 defeat at Cambridge City.

“I wouldn't say I'm on fire - I'm just enjoying playing,” he said. “Norwich United will give us another competitive game. I've played their a few times with Woodbridge. It's hard to know what to make of them, but the rumour is they've spent a few quid so it should be a good test.

“We've had some tough opposition so far and for me it's just a case of getting used to it now. I feel my fitness levels are almost there - I'm a lot stronger in myself. The Cambridge City game could have gone either way at 1-1. We got a bit sloppy, a bit lazy, and lost our shape. We didn't do the basics right. Wroxham ran away with the Ridgeons Premier last season and we had a few lads missing so that was a good comeback.”

Francis is counting down the days to the Southern Premier kick off after his protracted summer transfer to The Walks.

“Some other people might feel the fee puts a little extra pressure on me,” he said. “That isn't an issue. I feel so relaxed and this squad is really together. We've got a great bunch of lads, the banter at training is spot on and it's a great club to be at. The older boys are always passing on advice and that is something I've never had at previous clubs.

“I'm so chuffed to be playing with someone like Ben Chapman. He's talking to me throughout matches, getting me in the right positions. The training is always varied and I love that - to be tested all the time.”

Francis showcased his dead balls skills with a coolly taken free kick in Lynn's pre-season opener at Mildenhall.

“I would hope to be on them when they're on my side of the pitch,” he admitted. “We had one in the Norwich City game when I'd already come off. Lee Glover turned to me and said, 'I bet you wish you we're still out there,' and he was right. I don't know about pens. I think Danny Bloomfield would like those.”

The left-sided talent is desperate to nail down a starting spot.

“I'm just looking to establish myself in the squad and the team,” he said. “My main priority is to help King's Lynn get promoted. If I stay fit and injury free then I want to play at a higher level. Lynn are so forward thinking, they have ambitions to get in the conference and push on to the football league. I'm ambitious as well and if that happens I'm happy to stay.”

New signings Scott Howie and Andrew Fisk are both set to feature at Plantation Park. Stamford defender Bobby White has rejected Lynn's seven day approach. The Planters have so far beaten North Walsham 5-0 before losing 3-2 to a Norwich City academy side.

Bet365 have installed Lynn as favourites for the 2007/08 Southern League, Premier Division title. Selected odds: King's Lynn 5/1, Bashley, Corby Town 6/1, Hemel Hempstead 8/1, 12-1 bar.