James Hanson knows exactly what goal-shy Aaron Mclean is going through.

City’s January signing is still looking to get off the mark since replacing Nahki Wells.

Hanson can understand his strike partner’s frustration. He went 16 games without a goal last season and another 11 during the current campaign.

Hanson said: “Aaron just needs that one bit of luck. I’ve had a couple recently when there have been shots just palmed to me.

“He could do with something like that to get him off and running and then I’m sure he will score more goals.

“Of course he’ll be feeling it. He’s come in to a big club and wants to hit the ground running.

“He’s done well in his performances but it’s just the goals that aren’t happening – and that’s what you get judged on as a striker.

“Hopefully he can score and get on a run. He just needs something to fall for him.

“I’ve been in that position last season. You’ve just got to do your best for the team.

“The gaffer has had meetings with me in the past when I’ve had a barren run and it picks your confidence up.

“It worked with me last season and I went on that run at the end.”

Hanson is currently enjoying a rich vein of scoring with five goals in eight games since Wells went to Huddersfield.

He is now four off last season’s tally of 15 – his best as a pro.

“It’s a different role since Nahki’s gone. The gaffer wants me to stay higher up the pitch and I’ve been getting quite a few chances – maybe I should have hit eight or nine.

“Aaron’s a different player to Nahki and fans have got to appreciate that. “When you flick the ball on, you know he’s probably not going to get there but he’s very good with it at his feet.

“He takes up good positions for me to flick it in and chest it down for him. I have to think a bit more than before.

“We just need to get him some chances as well because it seems to be me rather than him getting in the (shooting) areas at the moment.”

Hanson’s own sights are set on beating his 2013 tally and toppling Wells at the top of the City scoring charts. The Bermudian still leads him by four.

“I’ve had chances to be on more – I don’t know how I didn’t score a double in the Crewe game.

“But my aim is to get to 15 first and then beat my target.

“With Nahki going, it took a massive goal threat away.

“A few of the other lads have had to step up as well, like Gazza (Gary Jones), who’s got a few as well.

“From a personal point of view, I’d be happy to get past 15 for my first season in League One and then kick on next year.”