CHARLIE Austin is “knocking loudly” on the first team door ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Norwich, according to Swindon boss Danny Wilson.

Just a month ago the striker was plying his trade in the Wessex League for Poole Town, but a £50,000 switch to the County Ground has seen the 20-year-old continue his prolific form with four goals in three reserve outings.

The remainder of Wilson’s striking options have found the back of the net just nine times between them this campaign, and the boss admitted it will be hard to ignore Austin’s claims if he continues his impressive start to life in Wiltshire.

“Charlie is knocking loudly on the door because he seems to be the only striker at club at the moment in time who is consistently scoring,” revealed Wilson.

“But it’s in the reserves, and there is a big difference between non-league, then the reserves and then up to the first team. However, he has got a knack and we said that when we brought him in.

“He needs to get used to the tempo that we have to play at, but what he has is good habits. He gets in the middle of goal, where he can score goals, and that’s maybe something that some of our players could take a look at.

“He’s getting better and getting stronger, and when it will be we’ll have to wait and see. You don’t ever know until you try him, so he’s certainly knocking on the door.”

Town’s head of player development Dave Byrne - who also takes charge of the reserves - echoed Wilson’s sentiments, insisting the manager would not be afraid to give Austin a first team shot.

“Charlie is a goalscorer and he continually puts himself in the position to score,” Byrne told the Advertiser. “There’s going to come a time when he will score four or five at this (reserve team) level, because he’s a natural.

“Danny has said we need a goalscorer and want another Simon Cox. If Charlie Austin is that man then it’s a great bit of business.

“But let’s not get carried away - he’s still cutting his teeth and has to continue in the way he has been.

“Can he do it in the first team? Who knows. But Danny wouldn’t be frightened to give him the opportunity, that’s for sure.”