He believes the fab three of himself, Aaron Mclean and George Boyd can better last season's cumulative goals tally of 67.

If correct, it's a certainty that Posh will be challenging the likes of Leeds and Leicester for the League One title.

Mackail-Smith, who contributed 19 of those goals despite missing the start of the season, said: "None of us have any experience of playing in League One, but I really don't see any reason why we shouldn't all score freely."

Posh season preview: Come On Boro!
Your guide to Peterborough United's 2008/09 League One season.
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"By all accounts there is more football played in League One and that will suit us. League Two was very physical, but with a bit more time and space to play in we should create plenty of chances again.

"And if we do that I'm confident we will score as many, if not more than last season. It's a big number to chase, but don't forget I missed the start of the season because of injury."

The club's star men have been in impressive form during pre-season, particularly Mackail-Smith whose pace, stamina and work ethic have even unsettled Premier League defenders.

He seems certain to start the season alongside Mclean, despite the strong claims of Scott Rendell, who scored against Stevenage and Liverpool at the start of the summer.

Mackail-Smith added: "I'm very happy with the way the summer has gone. I didn't have a pre-season last year because of the injury so it was tough for me when we came back, but I feel very fit now and raring to go.

"There do appear to be a few games at the start of the season that we should be looking to win and if we can start well I'm sure we will be able to challenge for the title.

"Everything is geared towards promotion here and that's our one aim. We have competition for places all over the pitch and good quality everywhere. "

Mackail-Smith started his semi-professional career with Arlesey Town before moving on to Dagenham & Redbridge in the Blue Square Premier League.

He helped 'The Daggers to the title in 2006-07 despite leaving for Posh midway through the season in a deal worth an estimated £125,000.

Mackail-Smith said: "I had a great time at Dagenham. They helped my career no end, but I feel I have become a better player at Peterborough.

"I used to chase the ball down the channels a lot at Dagenham, but here I've been able to improve my technique."

Perhaps surprisingly Mackail-Smith is not far behind Mclean in terms of goals scored in relation to starting appearances made.

Name, Appearances, Goals, Games per goal:

• Aaron Mclean 71 43 1.65


• Craig Mackail-Smith 47 27 1.74


• George Boyd 65 20 3.25