VETERAN striker Scott McGleish scored the two goals that sunk Tranmere Rovers on Saturday, but is desperate to keep adding to his tally this season, writes TREVOR DAVIES. McGleish is Orient s top scorer with seven to his credit but admitted: As a school

VETERAN striker Scott McGleish scored the two goals that sunk Tranmere Rovers on Saturday, but is desperate to keep adding to his tally this season, writes TREVOR DAVIES.

McGleish is Orient's top scorer with seven to his credit but admitted: "As a school report would say, I probably could do better.

"I always strive to do the best I can. I've got seven league goals and I would have liked a few more, but that's the pressure I put myself under.

"As a forward, all we want is balls in the box and if we get balls in the box and don't score then have a go at us."

Saturday's double took McGleish's tally to 185 league goals and the 35-year-old admits he has a burning desire to top the 200-mark before he hangs up his boots.

"Over the course of my career I try and collect things. I think I'm nearing 200 league goals. Can I get there? I'd like to think so," added the much-travelled striker, who has scored for seven different clubs during the past 14 seasons.

However, despite reaching veteran status, the striker still works as hard as anyone in the Orient side.

He gives Geraint Williams' team a physical presence at both ends of the pitch and when McGleish has not got the ball he's constantly chasing lost causes and closing defenders down.

The striker readily admits that fitness is a big part of his game. "One thing I've always had is workrate," he explained.

"Someone once said I could chase a crisp bag in the wind. My ability is hard work and knowing where the net is and you have to play to your ability."

McGleish has always had an eye for goal during his career and continues to set himself targets: "I try and beat my goal tally from the year before," he said.

"If you do that every year, you know you are progressing, although I'm getting to a stage now where it's getting harder," he smiled.

"I got 11 last year and I had a disruptive season where I was out on loan a couple of times. But I've got seven so far, so I'm on course."

The striker has never lost his appetite for the game and added: "At this stage of my career, I just want to play as many games as possible.

"Playing well is the main thing and the goals are a bonus. It's my job and I want to score as many as I can."

McGleish is confident that O's can climb away from danger and not spend the season flirting with relegation and will be looking for maximum points when the O's entertain Gillingham next Tuesday.

"Look, no one puts themselves under more pressure than we do as a group of players. We want to win every game and we try and win every game," said McGleish.

"We set our sights last year and picked ourselves out of the relegation area and moved up the table and we're looking at where we finished last season and above.

"Progression as a team is what we are looking to do," he said.

"The league's the main thing; a cup run would have been nice. But the league is our bread and butter and we want to push on up the table."

McGleish played a key role in helping O's dodge the drop last season and boss Williams knows just how important the striker is to the squad.

"He's done a great job for us since he first walked through the door," said Williams.

"Scott's a man's man and when you need someone in your corner for a fight, he'd be one of your first picks. He showed that against Tranmere when he stuck his head up above the parapet and scored the two goals.