Amadou Bakayoko is delighted to back fit and firing as he bids to help shoot Wanderers into the second round of the FA Cup.
Bakayoko has suffered an injury-disrupted start to his Wanderers’ career since his arrival from Coventry City in the summer.
But the pacey frontman has still managed to notch four goals, including one in last Friday night’s League One win over Crewe on his first start for almost a month.
Bakayoko could lead the line again at Stockport County in Wednesday night’s FA Cup first-round replay and the 25-year-old is aiming to stay in the groove as he puts the finishing touches to his latest comeback.
“We needed a win with the weekend we had coming up. It was important for everyone and it was good to get a goal,” said the striker, whose sharp reactions also secured the penalty that saw the Whites take the lead against Crewe.
“I’m getting there with match fitness but I’m ready. I played 80 minutes (on Friday) so I feel good at the moment and it’s always a positive getting a good result and building confidence back up again.
“It’s just building up into a lot more match fitness, having not had the continuation of playing games.
“It’s part of the game and I need to just make sure I do the right things to keep fit.
“I’m just ready to work for the team whenever I’m called upon. We need everyone for the things we want to achieve and I’m looking to play a big part in it.”
Wanderers continue a busy spell which could add up to nine games in little more than a month in the run-up to Christmas with the trip to Edgeley Park.
Stockport earned a replay with a 2-2 draw at Wanderers 10 days ago in a first game in charge of the National League outfit for new boss Dave Challinor.
There will be a definite winner this time, with extra-time and penalties if required, and Bakayoko is targeting a third victory in four games to set up a second-round trip to Rotherham United.
“I thought we played really well the first time when they came, although they did as well, to be honest. It was a good game,” he added,
“We should really have finished it off but it’s the FA Cup and anything can happen and we need to go out there and be professional and make sure we get our jobs done the right way.
“Cup competitions are important for the club and important to us as well.
“Everyone wants to be involved in big games and playing higher teams and we want to be involved in that – so it’s definitely important.”
Watch the full pre-match interview with 'Baka' HERE