JAMIE Ward is confident Derby County have the firepower to trouble defences in the Championship this season.
Ward was top scorer last season on 12 goals from 26 appearances in an injury-hit campaign.
Derby hit 65 goals in 46 league games. They were the ninth highest scorers in the division.
But Ward believes they can improve on that tally.
"We had the firepower last season as well but we've just added to it," he said.
Strikers Johnny Russell and Chris Martin have been signed this summer.
Russell cost around £700,000 from Dundee United and Martin was a free transfer from Norwich City.
Derby will go into the new season with options up front in Russell, Martin, Ward, Conor Sammon and Mason Bennett.
"We do have options," said Ward.
"Sammo is your big strong forward who can run in behind defences. Chris Martin is intelligent on the ball and Johnny Russell has got a bit of everything about him.
"He has a bit of pace, he can run in behind and he can come short.
"I have big hopes for him this season and, hopefully, he will do well for us.
"We also have young Mason Bennett, who has done well this summer."
Another young striker, 20-year-old Callum Ball, is also in and around the first-team squad, while both Theo Robinson and Nathan Tyson are still on Derby's books, although they are currently out of the first-team picture.
Ward offers options himself. He can play up front and was part of a three-man attack for the Rams in their friendly win at Burton Albion last night.
He can also play on the left of midfield, where he played for much of last season. He has also been filling the role in pre-season.
Ward sees himself on the left again this season.
"I do not expect to play up front much," he said.
"I see myself more as a left winger and trying to make goals and score some myself.
"Last season was my best in the Championship despite the injury.
"I was pleased with my strike rate in the games I played but it was frustrating because I think I could have gone on and got a few more goals had I played 46 games.
"You are going to get injuries in football – you just have to deal with it.
"I was happy with the way I came back from injury."
On Derby's chances in the new season, Ward said: "It is a tough division but I think top six has got to be our aim.
"Everybody saw what we did last season – and we can only get stronger.
"There is competition within the squad. We have got some good players here.
"We have added in the summer with Granty (Lee Grant), Johnny Russell, Chris Martin and Craig Forsyth.
"I think we are in a good place at the moment."
