Steve Schumacher reckons he is on a winner in the midfield betting stakes.

Schuey's fifth goal of the season at Tranmere on Friday night drew him level with Marc Bridge-Wilkinson in the scoring charts - and that means all wagers are on!

The pair have struck their traditional wager on who will find the net more times over the season.

And Schumacher reckons he has got the advantage, thanks to a little help from his own "bookie's runner" Jermaine Johnson.

Once again it was a JJ assist which enabled the Scouser to fire home at Prenton Park, following up the Jamaican's part in Schumacher's goal against Port Vale a fortnight earlier.

With Johnson's speed proving a nightmare for defenders, his team-mate is confident of cashing in even more.

Schumacher said: "It's a bit different to when Deano (Dean Windass) was up there and we had two strikers who like the ball to feet. It was harder for me to get in the box because they don't look to get down the sides of defenders.

"But with JJ doing that and leaving a big hole in the midfield for me to run into, then hopefully I'll score a hatful.

"I'm on a roll now, with two goals in two away games, and I'm looking at making it to double figures. We've got another 17 games to go so there's loads of time and I don't think it's out the question.

"I may not get there but if you don't set yourself targets, then what's the point? I think it's realistic to aim for.

"And I want to win my money back from last year. At the moment Bridgey and I are evens on £20 apiece, so if I get more goals than him this time I'll be well happy. I can guarantee he will never hear the end of it if that happens."

Bridge-Wilkinson, who comfortably won their personal duel 6-2 last season, has not scored since netting the winner at Leyton Orient on December 5.