By Jon Colman

Last updated 10:42, Saturday, 06 September 2008

Danny Carlton hits a personal milestone for Carlisle United today with a pledge to keep holding off fierce competition for his place in the Blues’ frontline.

On target: Danny Carlton

If, as expected, Carlton partners Danny Graham in attack against Southend (Brunton Park, 3pm) it will mean he has already overtaken his tally of first-team starts for the whole of last season.

The former Morecambe striker, who has started five of United’s six games so far this term, is currently fending off Michael Bridges and Gary Madine for the right to partner top scorer Graham.

And the 24-year-old believes his seven-goal partnership with Graham is starting to flourish.

“This will make it six starts for the season and hopefully I can stay in there,” said Carlton.

“It shows if you put the hard work in and believe in yourself, you’ll get your chance.

“When you don’t play, sometimes you don’t think you’re good enough and that was on my mind last season.

“But I worked hard in pre-season and getting those goals at Bristol Rovers gave me that bit of confidence. I think I’ve done well in the games I’ve played and even when I haven’t scored I’ve been working hard and creating things for the lads.”

Carlton hasn’t found the net since that opening day triumph at Bristol but has proved an effective foil for five-goal Graham in recent weeks.

“We hadn’t played together at all until this season, but we seem to have quite a good understanding already,” he said.

“We are both young and energetic and we will only get better the longer we play together.

“Bridgey and Gaz want to be playing every week, but if we keep winning I’m sure I’ll keep my place.

“They will be biting at the bit to get in the team, and I know I’ve got to work that bit harder each week. Hopefully we’ll keep getting the results and I’ll score a few more goals.

“I’m still waiting for my first one at Brunton Park but winning means just as much in my eyes as scoring a goal.”

United could claim the outright lead in League One with victory today, but Carlton expects Steve Tilson’s Shrimpers to attempt to make life difficult for the free-scoring Cumbrians.

“They are going to come here and try and keep it narrow, an make us play down the middle. We’ve already seen with Simon Hackney, Scott Dobie and Cleveland Taylor getting crosses in that we will score goals.

“But we’re confident we can get another win and send Southend back on that long trip home with nothing.”

Veteran former Leeds Dougie Freedman, who shot down United in the play-offs, will make his Shrimpers debut today. Carlton added: “I don’t think he’ll score in the 98th minute this time like he did at Elland Road! We know what he’s all about, but it’s about us and how we go about our game.”