Michael Symes wants to celebrate his 21st birthday this weekend with another goal in Saturday's table-topping showdown with leaders Luton.

City's rookie striker is buzzing after breaking his duck with a second-half double against Sheffield Wednesday.

Now he hopes to make sure his landmark birthday goes with a swing by hitting the target again at Kenilworth Road.

Symes said: "It's given me a massive buzz to get off the mark and I just want to carry that on. I can't wait for the next game to come and hopefully I'll score again.

"It had been that long since I scored a goal I had almost forgotten how to. I've not got one since pre-season so it was a great feeling to finally get off the mark.

"Now people will be expecting me to do it again if I'm selected on Saturday and I don't want to disappoint the fans."

Symes has had to bide his time since his summer move from Everton. After beginning the season in the side, he has found himself down the pecking order behind loan signings Neil Roberts and Dele Adebola.

Colin Todd had hoped to give him some first-team exposure at Darlington but the moved was torpedoed by the Football League.

Symes admitted: "It's been a bit frustrating not to have been playing but the gaffer's told me that my future is here.

"The boss has kept my spirits up when I haven't been in the team and pulled me in on a couple of occasions to reassure me.

"The only reason he wanted to send me to Darlington was to get match fit.

"The gaffer has guaranteed me that I am part of it here even when I've not been in the team.

"I am enjoying it, the training's good and now I've got the shirt hopefully I can keep it.

"The last two years at Everton had just been non-stop injuries for me and all I need is a run of games. I just want that chance here."

Colin Todd planned to check on Adebola today after reports from Coventry, where he was getting treatment, claimed his suspected hamstring injury was not as bad as first thought.

Symes is on standby to replace him as City attempt to chop the gap with the leaders to one point by claiming a sixth straight win.

"I'm not surprised how well we are doing," he added. "I see the lads in training every day and there are a lot of good players there. We are showing that on the pitch now.

"We've got a small squad at the club but there is plenty of quality. The main thing is that people stay fit and then we can do okay."