The midfielder has eight goals to his name already this season, and he's hoping to better the dozen he scored for Bolton Wanderers in the 2003/04 season.

Nolan ran to the touchline after scoring an injury-time winner against Doncaster Rovers at St James's Park last Saturday to celebrate in front of his young daughter.

And Nolan says she's been the inspiration for his return to form in front of goal, which has put him on course to smash his previous best tally.

Before every game, she says 'big goal, Daddy?', and Nolan – so far this season – has been able to oblige more often than not, though a return to the Premier League is his, and his team-mates', overrriding aim.

"I'm always delighted to score, when we win games, I'm always more delighted," Nolan told the Gazette.

"I think I scored 12 goals goals for Bolton one season, and if I can beat that, then great, but the main thing is that we get this club back into the Premier League. That's what we're all striving for.

"I've had a box since I've come here, and they were all there (against Doncaster). All my daughter ever says to me is 'big goal, Daddy?'.

"I think she's expecting too much, but in the last couple of weeks, I've produced for her.

"That makes me happy, but nothing makes me more happy than us winning games. As long as we win games, that's the main thing."