SWINDON Town striker Luke Norris believes the current squad are stronger than the one that competed in League One last season as he plays through the pain barrier for the cause.

Having endured the disappointment of relegation last term, the 24-year-old watched on as that group of players was dismantled and new manager David Flitcroft set about a rebuilding project of epic proportions.

And it appears to have reinvigorated the forward, who has scored twice in his first three appearances of the campaign, his latest coming from the penalty spot on Tuesday night against West Ham United U21s, stepping up with a renewed confidence to smash the ball home.

“I’m taking on what the manager wants from me and I feel like I am doing what he is asking of me and that’s all I can do really,” he said.

“The main man to please is him because he is the most important in the side.

“He has got great ideas, our league form so far has been good and I feel like we are moving in the right direction.

“The way the club has recruited, it suits my way.

“We’ve got some fantastic players in and the squad, in my eyes, is probably stronger than last year.

“Moving down a league and we’ve got a stronger side.

“I think this side in League One last year probably would have done better.

“That’s in the past now, we know where we are and it’s up to us now whether we kick on.”

Norris has shown his commitment to the project as well, shaking off a dislocated shoulder suffered in the process of opening his account for the season away at Carlisle United to return to action a week later as a substitute against Exeter City.

The striker admits that he was fortunate with the injury and despite playing on painkillers, is happy to put his body on the line to help the team.

“It can’t get any worse but it’s just sore whilst playing, but it is just something that you can manage,” he explained.

“Knowing, personally, it can’t be any worse, because structurally it is perfect, I was quite lucky.

“It is just about getting on with it.

“It’s not really something I can sit out with because I feel I can do stuff and that’s what the manager wants.

“We want to win games of football, we want to win this league and if we are messing about, it’s not really what you need in this league.

“I’ve almost shrugged it off and got on with it.”