Hugill only just getting started

Jordan Hugill hit double figures for the season against Birmingham

The Preston North End front man sits atop the charts with 10 after getting the winner in the 2-1 victory over Birmingham City on Tuesday night.

It puts him clear of what any player reached in the whole of the previous campaign, Daniel Johnson top scoring with nine in 2015-2016.

The late goal against the Blues also means Hugill is one ahead of Callum Robinson who had earlier scored the opener.

“I’ve got a little competition with Callum going at the moment,” said the 24-year-old.

“If he gets nine I’ve got to get one more to be in front.

“I said that to him after the game and we had a little bit of a laugh.

“I wanted to be in double figures and I’ve done that now.

“Ten’s just the start though. There are a lot of games to go and hopefully I can get another handful of goals and finish the season even higher.”

It could have been more on Tuesday night, the striker seeing chances come and go before finding space at the back post to convert Daryl Horgan’s cross as PNE made it back-to-back wins at Deepdale.

“I should have had a hat-trick,” said Hugill.

“It wasn’t to be put I’m pleased to pop up with the winner.

“I felt I was getting in all the right places but I was scuffing a few.

“I thought it might not come but I knew I was going to get another chance with the good crosses coming into the box all game.

“The main thing for me is the performances though.

“I try and create a lot for the team, I make space for people like Callum and Geads (Aiden McGeady) to do their stuff.

“To get a few goals on top of that is brilliant.”

Next up is a trip to Wigan on Saturday. Hugill is a fan of derby games, having scored in plenty in recent years, including the winner in the 1-0 victory against the Latics back in September, the front man inadvertently deflecting  Aiden McGeady’s shot home.

“It was probably one of my best goals that one,” he joked.

“I love a derby day, especially with my record so far.

“It will be a great game – I know a few people who are Wigan fans as well so it’ll be good.”