Last updated 13:33, Thursday, 07 August 2008

THE word from Carlisle United’s exciting young left-winger is that it’s time to leave “potential” behind and make 2008/9 a season of consistency and achievement.

Simon Hackney holds off a Leeds’ Neil Kilkenny during last season’s League One play-offs

Simon Hackney has stacked up 113 appearances for the Blues now, including 74 starts, and it’s that sort of experience which means that there is now expectation rather than hope that the 24-year-old will deliver for John Ward’s team in the new campaign.

It’s encouraging to report that this is exactly how Hackney sees things himself. He is polite in conversation yet, with league battle just two days away, there is almost a zeal about the wide man as he describes his intentions.

“I feel really sharp and I feel I’ve grown in confidence from the end of last season and over the summer,” he says. “Not big-headed confidence, but confidence to say ‘let’s go for it’. I’m going to make mistakes but it’s about not being afraid of making mistakes. That’s the attitude I want to go by this season. Being positive.”

There is no doubt that Hackney is regarded as one of Ward’s major weapons as he pieces together his first XI for Saturday’s trip to Bristol Rovers.

Last season, it should not be forgotten, was his first campaign of sustained first-team football, after injury ruined his previous campaign under Neil McDonald and his role as an impact sub defined his time under Paul Simpson.

“I was coming back from my injury this time last year, whereas this pre-season I’ve started fresh,” he says. “Barring the Morecambe game, I think I’ve done really well. The Preston and Middlesbrough games were great and to go past someone who plays at a higher level, that gives you the belief to be the better player on the day.

“That’s the way I look at it – keep doing the things you’re good at. I just want to be positive, get at people as much as possible and get plenty of crosses and shots in. I wanted 10 goals last season and got eight, so i’m going for 10 again and hopefully I’ll get over it this time.

“I’m still working on my defensive side, which I feel I’m getting better at. My training has got a lot better as well, going past people, being stronger, making the right decisions, and the lads coming in like Michael Bridges are helping me along the way.

“If they get me in the right direction, the team will be going in the right direction.”

Hackney was disappointed at his own performance and that of Ward’s team in his last outing at Christie Park, a display which was swiftly followed by a different XI’s capitulation at Workington Reds two days later.

But he says that ought not to check United’s ability to start their season in style at the Memorial Stadium, a ground where they slumped 3-0 last term.

“We don’t want to feel like that again,” Hackney says. “We will turn up, be professional and with the team we’ve got we can go down there and get three points.

“I can only express how poor we were at Morecambe and how we can try and make things right. We know we can’t afford to step back. We’ve worked hard in pre-season and the real stuff starts on Saturday.

“I think we’re on the right track. We’ve got a lot of experience and youth in the team – I feel like one of the old ones now! – and people are getting stronger. If we keep passing and playing and being positive, I think we’re going to catch a lot of eyes this season.”