A FIFTIETH goal in professional football is certainly something to celebrate, but for Shakers' striker Tom Youngs it also underlined how much his career has been in abeyance for the past two or three years.

The talented 26-year-old striker has found it difficult to hold down a first team place since arriving in the summer from Leyton Orient, but after scoring the vital goal in the 1-1 draw at Rochdale last week, he believes it is high time his career got back on track.

The likeable Bury lad Bury St Edmunds, Sufffolk, that is was one of the most feared forward players in the lower divisions during his time at Cambridge United, where he began as a trainee.

His strike rate during his six years at the Abbey Stadium, attracted the interest of Northampton Town, who paid the U's £50,000 for his services.

However, he only lasted two years at Sixfields after a serious cartilage injury decimated his time there.

A transfer to east London, and Leyton Orient, ensued in January 2005, but that only saw him add another six appearances to his name, and after failing to settle he was released last summer and took up then Bury manager Graham Barrow's invitation to move north.

Since arriving at Gigg, Youngs has started nine league and cup games, with eleven appearances on the bench.

So it was understandable that when he fired the Shakers into the lead at Spotland nine days ago, the delight at getting off the mark would be evident for all to see.

"It felt great to get my first goal for the club, it was the fiftieth of my career, yet my 48th came three years ago," he explained.

"I was really under pressure to take the chance but that will always happen when you've had a period out of the side or haven't played many games like I have.

"Every chance that turns up you are desperate to take.

"I just want a regular run in the team now, which is what I have wanted since I left Cambridge.

"I didn't get it at Northampton because of injury, then didn't really get it at Orient and so far, haven't at Bury.

"Hopefully the goals will come thick and fast now I have reached that milestone."

That's a wish that will be echoed by everyone at Gigg Lane as they look to add a cutting edge to go with their new-found solidity at the back.