Question. Who do you think is currently the leading goalscorer in the country? Is it Ruud van Nistelrooy, Thierry Henry or West Ham's Jermain Defoe. Well, you may or may not be surprised to know that the answer is Cardiff City striker Robert Earnshaw, who has already scored an incredible 14 goals in the first couple of months of the season. The diminutive Welshman has certainly taken to life in the First Division and the 22-year-old will surely have his sights set firmly on last year's record-breaking tally of 35 goals. Givemefootball's Mark Shail spoke to Earnshaw as he prepared for Wales Euro qualifier against Serbia and Montenegro this Saturday.
Q:YOU MUST BE DELIGHTED WITH YOUR START?
A:Yes, it's been a good start and from a personal point of view it is nice to grab a few goals early in the season. Some people thought that Cardiff and Wigan might struggle in the First Division but we've both had pretty good starts to our campaigns. In terms of goalscoring I think it is my best ever start so I've got to be pleased with that.
Q:CARDIFF ARE CURRENTLY IN 11TH PLACE, DO YOU THINK THE CLUB CAN BUILD ON THAT?
A:Our biggest problem so far has been our inconsistency, we can't seem to string two good performances back-to-back. We have had some good results already this season and if we can produce our best form on a more consistent level I'm sure that we have the ability to climb up the table.
Q:WERE YOU CONFIDENT THAT YOU WOULD BE ABLE TO SCORE GOALS IN THE FIRST DIVISION?
A:I've always been a confident person and had belief in my ability so I wasn't worried about the step-up in standard. It's about being able to handle the challenge that is in front of you and at the moment I am enjoying it.
Q:WHAT IS THE MAIN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND DIVISIONS?
A:At this level teams have the ability to punish you if you make any mistakes. Whereas last season, we might have got away with the odd defensive slip-up that doesn't happen in the First Division. It will take a little time to adjust to life at this standard but so far I think that we are doing okay.
Q:HAVE YOU SET YOURSELF A GOAL TARGET THIS SEASON?
A:I have set myself a target but I always keep it close to my chest and don't reveal to the public - it's my secret.
Q:WHAT DO YOU PUT YOUR PHENOMENAL GOALSCORING RECORD DOWN TO?
A:I don't know really. I guess it comes down to being in the right place at the right time and having confidence in your own ability. It's important that any striker maintains his self-belief even if he might be going through a baron spell, and that is what I have always tried to do.
Q:ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE WALES GAME THIS WEEKEND?
A:Yes, I can't wait and hopefully I will play some part in the game. These last few years have been great times for Wales and we will be doing all we can to reach the Euro finals next summer.
Q:IT LOOKS INCREASINGLY LIKE WALES WILL BE IN THE PLAY-OFFS, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THAT?
A:If that is the case they will be two of the biggest games in Welsh football history and it will be great to involved. The atmosphere at the Millennium Stadium would be unbelievable and the squad firmly believes that we can beat any team in the world over two legs.
