GRIMSBY Town striker Andy Cook is a "better player than last season" – now he just needs the chance to show it.
Having topped the goalscoring charts for the Mariners last term, the 22-year-old has suffered a frustrating start this time around.
After a poor pre-season, the former Barrow forward was left out of the Town squad completely for the opening match against Aldershot.
He is still yet to start a game, having been limited to cameos from the bench as Lenell John-Lewis keeps him out of the side.
However, Cook insists he is fitter than ever before and ready for the call – starting today at Chester.
He told the Telegraph: "It's been frustrating not playing, but when Lenny has been playing so well, I can't really complain.
"Hopefully I'll get my chance soon. It would be nice if that comes today and if it does it's about making sure that I stay in the team.
"I've been training well. I feel fitter and sharper than I did last season and obviously I've lost weight.
"When I have come on, I've felt sharper and I'd like to see how I do in a full game.
"I'm definitely a better player than last season, 100 per cent, and it would be nice to get my chance – if I get it, it's about taking it."
Following his arrival prior to last season, Cook hit 16 goals in his maiden campaign at Blundell Park.
And many Mariners fans had high hopes of the frontman forging a potent partnership with the previous season's top scorer Liam Hearn.
But, nine games in, Cook is yet to make an impression as 'second season syndrome' kicks in.
"I haven't got a point to prove – everyone knows what I'm about and it's just about getting back to what I was doing last season," he added.
"I'm the first to beat myself up when I'm not playing well, but I've been keeping my head down and trying to get on with it.
"If I get a run of games, I feel like I can get back to the form of last season and go better.
"This time last season, I was playing most weeks, but I was coming off after 60 minutes and could have been fitter than I was.
"But now I'm fitter and sharper and feel better in myself for it.
"I'd like to think I'm knocking on the gaffer's door for this afternoon but we'll see how it goes."
