West Ham’s Antonio gives defenders a heads up of his intentions

An England call-up may have already been forthcoming this season but West Ham’s Michail Antonio has his eyes on plenty more targets this season, including writing his name into the Premier League record books.

The 26-year-old was called into Sam Allardyce’s first England squad back in August – although he was not named in the most recent squad under interim boss Gareth Southgate.

While the goals have dried up somewhat in recent weeks, Antonio started the season on fire, scoring five in just four games – all of them headed goals.

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

And the midfielder admits the thought of trying to eclipse former Everton forward Duncan Ferguson for number of goals scored through headers in a Premier League season is something that is on his radar.

“Why can’t that be a target that I look to break?” said Antonio of the current nine-goal mark set by Ferguson during the 1997/1998 season.

“It’s still a long season ahead so you never know, hopefully I’ll get some more chances.

“I’ve got other priorities that I’ve set myself, but obviously I’d love to beat that record. I’ll keep putting myself in that position so we’ll have to wait and see.

“When I was younger I couldn’t head the ball to save my life! When I was at Sheffield Wednesday I kept getting opportunities because I have a good leap but it was something I worked on in training. It’s something I’ve worked hard on and now I’m reaping the benefits.

“I always set myself targets – getting an England call up was definitely one of them. I never sit on my laurels, if I hit one target I’m always focused on the next straight away. I feel I can get better so I’m going to keep pushing.”