Anyinsah happy with striker role

Anyinsah scored four times in 19 appearances for Carlisle last season

Carlisle United's Joe Anyinsah says he is determined to impress if he is chosen to lead the attack for Saturday's League One opener.

Anyinsah is favourite to start against Brentford at the weekend after the Cumbrians were unable to strengthen their forward line this week.

"I feel as though I can chip-in with goals this season and help the team." the 24-year-old told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"I'm really excited about the new season and just want to get games."

Anyinsah will be vying with fellow forwards Scott Dobie and Gary Madine for a starting place against the Bees after manager Greg Abbott drew a blank in the transfer market this week.

I think everyone was shocked when we first came back to pre-season training just how fit we all were

Joe Anyinsah

The Cumbrians saw two of their targets - Karl Hawley and Martyn Waghorn - turn down moves to Brunton Park as Hawley opted for Notts County while Waghorn has joined Leicester City on a season-long loan.

Anyinsah, who has spent most of his career as a recognised winger, says he is happy to play a more central role.

"It's going to sound like I'm sitting on the fence, but I don't really mind where I play." he said. "It looks like I'm going to feature as a striker and that means I can get to use different parts of my game - strength and pace."

"Whether it's on the wing or up front, my main objective is just to get the games this season."

Anyinsah also revealed that he has set a goals target the forthcoming season.

"I've got a little target." he added. "Me and the gaffer had a chat about a target but I'm going to keep that to myself."

Bristol-born Anyinsah, who joined the Cumbrians in January of this year, began his career at Bristol City.

He opted not to sign a new contract at Ashton Gate at the end of the 2005/06 season and joined Preston North End on a three-year deal.

After a one-month loan stay with Bury, Anyinsah joined Carlisle on-loan in September 2007, making 12 appearances and scoring three times.

Loan spells at Crewe and Brighton followed last season before his permanent switch to Brunton Park.

"Everyone has come back with a good attitude. Mentally and physically we look stronger," stated Anyinsah.

"I think everyone was shocked when we first came back to pre-season training just how fit we all were.

"The lads have been doing a lot of work during the close season and hopefully we can take that into the Brentford game."

The Cumbrians will be hoping for a better season this time around after only avoiding relegation from League One on the last day of the season.

"Everyone is really excited, you can tell that in training." Anyinsah said. "We're optimistic."

"When you think about, we could have started this season in League Two so everyone is just happy we're still in this division and we're going to give it a good go."

Like Carlisle, Andy Scott's Brentford side will arrive at Brunton Park on Saturday as one of the outside bets for promotion. However, Anyinsah believes they will prove tough opposition.

"It's going to be a good battle. Obviously coming up last season, they will have no fear," he said.

"I don't know much about them personally but we will be well prepared and will be looking to go out there and do the business."