Ozzy Zanzala is enjoying the best season of his life – and is hoping a trip to Wembley will cap it off.
The former Derby striker has scored seven goals so far this season and is likely to start tomorrow night’s trip to League One side Fleetwood in the Leasing.com Trophy last 16 tie.
The frontman is happy to have a run in the side after overcoming a hamstring injury which sidelined him at the start of the season and he has big ambitions for the rest of the campaign.
“I am competitive and I want to be first, I want to be leader of the pack,” said the 23-year-old.
“It was frustrating as I was injured at the start of the season but now I am back I want to see what I can do for the rest of the season and score more goals.
“We have unfortunately had injuries and that opens the door for players who aren’t playing as many games or who have a point to prove like myself.
“It can be frustrating, I have had a few goals disallowed this season and, especially the Burton one, I felt it was a good goal.
“But you can’t look back and you have to keep your focus when you have a goal disallowed or miss a chance and focus on the next opportunity.
“I have worked under the gaffer a few seasons now and I am learning all the time. He knows me inside out and I know his expectations and he knows mine.
“It’s great to have a manager who believes in you, it gives you an extra confidence boost, especially going into games.
“I do keep an eye on the top scorers in the league and how far away I am and it’s not impossible for me to catch them up.”
Zanzala is brimming with confidence and will take that into tomorrow night’s game against Fleetwood, where the winner will receive £40,000. The tie goes straight to penalties if it’s all-square after 90 minutes.
“I have to go into games believing I will score, whether it’s one, two or a hat-trick.
“Fleetwood are a good team, they play good football and are very direct but we go into games high on confidence believing we can win.
“Everyone dreams of playing at Wembley, it would be a great experience and the memories would live for a long time as not everyone gets a chance to play there.
“We would get a buzz from it, it’s a day for the family, fans and great for the community but you can’t get carried away, there is a long way to go.
“Every team in the last 16 will believe they have a chance of playing there so we will have to be at our best.”