Most forwards would be more than happy to average a goal every other game, for it's a strike rate that many at the highest level can't maintain.

Yet, despite finding the net four times in eight appearances for Bristol Rovers, Chris Dickson's analysis of his contribution since joining on loan from Charlton Athletic reads: "Could do better."

Sidelined by his parent club for Rovers' FA Cup defeat by Southampton seven days ago, the marksman is available again to face Carlisle United at the Memorial Stadium tomorrow and hoping for a recall after starting their last league outing at MK Dons on the bench.

Dickson has not gone more than two games without finding the net since arriving at the Pirates in September – and after failing to score against the Dons or title-favourites Leeds, he is desperate to return to the goals trail against the Cumbrians.

"I'm my own biggest critic and in my estimation I think I've under-achieved so far – although there's still plenty of time to put that right," said Dickson.

"Four goals in eight games is okay, but I've actually set my sights higher. I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist, so my aim is to get a goal a game. It's good so far I suppose, but could be better."

Rovers' six-game losing run has been well documented, yet Paul Trollope's men remain in touch with the top six. But the grim recent run has come in stark contrast to their flying start to the season.

"Everyone keeps saying that we've lost six games in a row – but we're not at the bottom of the table, we're not even mid-table, we're still near the top," said Dickson.

"Three points against Carlisle could put us back in the play-off places, but we've got to get that winning feeling back as a team.

"We have been down a bit because we didn't expect to go on this sort of losing streak, but we know we can turn things around.

"I played against Carlisle when I was on loan at Gillingham a couple of years ago. They have a good work ethic and some experienced professionals, but there's no reason we can't turn them over."

Dickson admits he found it frustrating watching Rovers make their FA Cup exit from the stand – and he was astonished two days later when Charlton went out at non-league Northwich Victoria in the shock result of the first round.

"We had a great result in the league at Southampton, so they wanted to come here and turn us over," said Dickson. "I was watching from the sidelines wishing I was out there playing because I felt we could have exploited them.

"For both Bristol Rovers and Charlton to go out in the first round was a surprise – but that's how the FA Cup is, anything can happen.

"My dad called me after the Charlton game and said: 'Do you realise you're not cup-tied at either club any more?'"

While Charlton have already made it clear that they would listen to offers for the 24-year-old striker, Dickson knows he has to keep scoring if he is to secure a long-term future at the Memorial Stadium.

"I'm still a Bristol Rovers player until December 19 and, after that, I'll learn a bit more," he said. "It might be that I have to go back to Charlton and see what happens from there.

"I've liked it here, I've got to know a lot of the players, so, at the moment, staying here is probably my preference.

"But I don't want to put all my eggs in one basket and then find I might not be wanted here – you never know. There are a number of different options."