Grimsby Town forward Ryan Taylor has admitted he is yet to reach the performance levels he hoped for on a personal level but is confident that the work he is doing behind the scenes will get him back to his best soon.
The 34-year-old is yet to score this season for the Mariners, having appeared six times up top so far this term, but it is widely recognised that he adds more to the team other than just goals, as shown by his performances last season in the promotion campaign.
Taylor has fresh competition up top this season and has been rotated at points already by Paul Hurst in what has been quite an intense start after a shorter break and pre-season for the Mariners.
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The Rotherham-born striker has made over 300 appearances in his professional career, so there are very few situations in football that he has not experienced, and Taylor was honest in his assessment of his own performances to start the season.
"I don't think I've got to the levels I want to at the minute," Taylor told Grimsby Live. "I am confident that is something that'll come; as a team, I think we've started pretty well we've had some disappointing moments, but as a whole, there are a lot of positives to take.
"Every footballer wants to play and start games in particular, but I am under no illusion that I am getting older, so it is getting a lot tougher, but the competition is good, and we've got a strong squad at the minute, so will continue to push each other on.
"I've had a few chances that I should've put away, and if I had, we could have a few more points on the board, so I am quite critical of myself from that point of view. I've not got personal targets, but it is just the little things, and my general play needs to be better.
"I am one of the older players in the squad, but that doesn't mean I am not looking to improve every day; you're attitude on the training pitch and the work you put in during the week is what helps you towards getting your rewards come Saturday, and I'll continue to do that."
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