DAVID Flitcroft has underlined the transformation of Luke Norris from frustrated frontman to key attacking weapon by holding up the former Gillingham striker as the poster boy of his Swindon Town revolution.

Norris took his tally for the season to six goals in nine games, the same total he managed in 46 appearances last season, with a brace in Saturday’s 3-2 League Two win over Stevenage – the town of his birth – in what was Flitcroft’s first victory at the County Ground since taking charge this summer.

The 24-year-old also provided the assist for fellow attacker Keshi Anderson’s first-half effort while constantly menacing the Stevenage defence to highlight his change in fortunes from a player who often struggled to make an impact during last season’s troubled campaign.

Flitcroft, who does have an injury concern over Dion Conroy after the defender hobbled off with what appeared to be a leg muscle problem during the first half on Saturday, laid bare the influential figure the two-goal man had become in the County Ground changing room.

“Six goals and four or five assists - he’s having a fantastic season and he’s man of the match, the supporters are willing him on. I thought he was outstanding,’’ said the manager.

“Luke Norris is about goals, it’s what he does. He’s been creating a lot of chances and executing well in training. It’s not about confidence, it’s about doing the right thing at the right time and Nozza is and has been since I walked in on day one.

“He does beat himself up at times, he just wants to do so well for this group but he’s come off the pitch with two goals and he’s put it (the penalty) in the other side.

“He’s got the mental application to put it in the other side. They (Stevenage) were getting the message on that ‘he’ll put it where he put it (penalty) against Luton’ and he didn’t. So again that takes some mental strength to do that.’’

Norris is reaping the benefits of the clean slate afforded by Flitcroft’s summer arrival and his manager is thrilled by the way the player has responded.

“You have your pre-season and you get your opportunity to assess players. What I never do is listen to people who have worked with them before, I make my own mind up,’’ added Flitcroft.

“From day one, Luke Norris was totally behind what we were doing and targets were set. Let’s go and get the first 10 goals, then 15.

“I’ve never put a target on any player and never do but certainly we’ve spoken about carrying that mantle and when he plays well and his hold-up play is outstanding, the team plays well.

“I’m delighted with Luke, his application to training. What we’re doing, he leads it and he carries big weight in the dressing room.’’