Striker focused on getting ready ahead of opening fixture
Huddersfield Town striker James Vaughan was delighted to net in the victory over Doncaster Rovers, but his main focus is on getting fit ahead of the opening fixture against AFC Bournemouth.
The striker, who has collected the Club’s Golden Boot award for the last two seasons, hit a hat trick against the League 1 team during the friendly in Portugal.
However, speaking exclusively to htafc.com he revealed that his main focus is on being as fit as possible come August 9.
He said: “I was delighted to hit the ground running and get some goals under my belt, but the most important thing is that I got some minutes into my legs and got back involved in a game situation.”
Vaughan spent the majority of the summer working on his rehab from knee surgery at PPG Canalside spent rehabilitation time in the USA.
“I had to get fit and the goals yesterday were a nice reward for my efforts,” he said. “I missed the majority of the second half of last season and it is important that I use this pre-season to get back strong and fit.
“My time in the USA was really good. I had been before when I was at Everton and it worked well; this time around it gave me an opportunity to work on strengthening my knee.”
Town has now won its opening two pre-season friendlies heading into Saturday’s match against Segunda Divisao side SC Portimonense and Vaughan believes that the team spirit within the team is as strong as ever.
“Everybody looks fit and strong; it is really good to see and the atmosphere is very positive,” he said. “The team spirit within the camp is one of the best that I have experienced as a professional footballer. It was the same last year, but I feel that the bond is tighter this season. Hopefully that togetherness will show on the field during the season.”
Vaughan has also been impressed by his fellow strikers: “We are working well together and I am looking forward to playing competitively with them. The competition for places is strong, which I think will benefit the team.
“Pato was brilliant during the first half of last season and we formed a really good partnership. I think all of my goals came when he was on the pitch and I enjoyed playing alongside him. Nahki proved last year that he is a natural goalscorer, whilst Wardy proved his strengths up top with a strong end to the season. I can’t wait for August 9 when we start playing for three points.”
