Clarkson eager for first-choice berth at Bristol City

Bristol City striker David Clarkson is determined to force his way in to the starting line-up at Deepdale on the opening day of the season by bagging the first goals of his Ashton Gate career during pre- season.

Clarkson, 23, arrived from Motherwell on Monday in a deal expected to be eventually worth close to £800,000 – but insists that neither the price tag nor the pressure to score goals are burdens that weigh heavily on his shoulders.

Nicky Maynard, Lee Trundle and John Akinde are all vying for one of probably two starting spots for the curtain-raiser against Preston on August 8, while Gary Johnson is also expected to add another striker to his ranks before the season starts.

But Clarkson, who managed 14 Scottish Premier League goals in 37 appearances last season, is promising to show his worth during the pre-season games, which begin at Hereford on July 13.

He said: I don't put pressure on myself, but as a striker you know you are expected to score goals.

"I have managed to get a few goals over the last couple of seasons at Motherwell and am hoping to bring that form to Bristol. If you get a couple of goals early that lifts your confidence and I hope to be able to do that.

"Every player wants to play (in the first game of the season) but it is up to me to prove that I am worth a place in that starting XI. I hope to grab a couple of goals in the pre-season games and then it will be up to the gaffer."

Clarkson was handed a senior debut at Fir Park as a 17-year-old and has since made over 150 appearances and scored 56 goals in the past six seasons.

"It was a big decision to leave Motherwell," Clarkson said. "I have been at Fir Park since I was a kid and I was at the point of my career where I felt the time was right to move on. This feels like a new chapter in my career and it is a great opportunity for me.

"This is a massive club and I am looking forward to the challenge.

"I came down and was very impressed when I had a look around the place. I was delighted that a big club like Bristol City was interested in me and I can't wait to get started."