PAUL Mullin has netted five times this season but the Accrington Stanley striker believes it could have been more.

And he has warned League Two defenders he is starting to find his feet and is hungry for more goals.

After being part of last season's historic promotion-winning side, Mullin was whisked off to the operating table in the summer.

And while team-mates enjoyed a welcome break in the sun before starting pre-season training, he was recuperating after a double hernia operation.

It was the first real spell on the treatment table for the big forward and he revealed it took its toll as the new campaign began.

He said: "I had a double hernia operation in the summer so in the first few games of the season I was short of match fitness. I missed three weeks of pre-season and I've come back feeling better and stronger.

"I didn't play a full 90 minutes in pre-season because I had my operation right in the middle of the summer.

"I needed to get a few games under my belt to get some match sharpness. That didn't come for me until after three or four games and I think that showed in the games I was playing. But luckily the goals are coming now.

"It's the only operation I've had and it was just through wear and tear damage than anything else.

"But I've been happy with my performances and the goals have been a bonus."

Mullin also revealed he was relishing his new partnership up front with the lively Gary Roberts, even if it did mean sharing out the goals a bit more.

He added: "It's always difficult when you've not played up front with someone but I think we've both adapted really well and I think we compliment eachother.

"It's not as easy as it looks - you're on the receiving end of a lot of challenges, most of which are through the back of you. But he's done well."