DAVID Connolly insists he is not concerning himself about the possibility of a new striker arriving at the club.

Manager Nigel Adkins has been on the hunt for another forward this summer in a bid to strengthen his attacking options.

Doncaster’s Billy Sharp turned down a move during pre-season, while Burnley last week rejected a £4.5m offer for Jay Rodriguez.

But Connolly, Saints’ match winner at Barnsley, isn’t worrying about the prospect of a new addition in his position.

“I create my own pressure myself to perform,” said the 34-year-old, who has scored in both of the club’s opening Championship matches.

“If he comes in then whoever it is will have to perform to get in the side.

“And, if they’re in the side, they’ll have to perform to stay there.

“So that’s how it is.”

Connolly might not be giving any thought to a new recruit up front, but he does have an eye on the future.

The seasoned pro signed a new one-year contract this summer, after a superb finish to last season.

And he is hoping to prove that he will be worth another commitment beyond this campaign.

“You can only play if you’re selected,” he said.

“I was selected eventually last season and did quite well, and all pre-season and the start of this season.

“I’ve got this year of my contract, so I’m looking to kick on, whether it’s a new contract or whatever.

“So I’m not just here for the ride.”

Connolly also had a message for supporters who have been singing a chant about the striker being “back from the dead” – a reference to his recovery from past injury problems.

“I don’t particularly like that,” said Connolly, who gestured at fans to stop the song at Oakwell.

“I’ve been fit for ages now and it’s a bit boring really.”

Connolly, in fact, believes that he is as fit and healthy as he has ever been in his career.

With that in mind, he is relishing his role as a regular starter in the team.

And Connolly believes he can make a significant contribution in the Championship this year – as he has done before for Wimbledon and Sunderland.

“I played when the manager selected me last season, all pre-season and obviously the start of the season,” he said.

“I feel great and in as good a shape as I’ve ever been.

“I’ve averaged nearly a goal a game in this league before.

“I’ve won this league before (with Sunderland in 2006/07), I’ve got a Championship winner’s medal, so it’s no problem for me and I look forward to every game.”

Connolly’s predatory firsthalf header at Oakwell separated Saints and Barnsley, with Adkins’ side deservedly holding on, despite some late pressure.

Grinding out a 1-0 win away from home is a greatly encouraging sign going forwards, according to Connolly.

“It’s hard to score goals,” he said.

“You can’t be scoring three every week, and you’re going to have to grind out one-nils.

“You’re asking too much if you expect to score twos and threes every week, it’s just not going to happen.

“It’s a good sign that we can grind out away from home a 1-0 win.”