LAST season’s leading AFC goalscorer Andy Cook is coming to the boil nicely as he prepares to terrorise National League defences.

The imposing 24-year-old achieved his best ever goal haul last term by scoring 23 times in Conference North action – beating his previous best total of 17 goals, which he bagged in the final season of his first spell with Barrow in 2011/12 when the Bluebirds operated in non-league’s top flight.

While Cook’s huge contribution played a major role in Barrow’s 2014/15 title triumph, he will be seeking similar success when he re-emerges on non-league’s biggest stage.

And Bluebirds boss Darren Edmondson has been encouraged by the attitude and desire shown by his striker during pre-season.

AFC’s league season begins a week on Saturday, and Edmondson said of Cook: “He’s looking very well.

“He’s improved his mentality towards training and he’s incorporated things we’ve been asking him to do really well. He’s bought into it.

“Even though he’s been full-time there is still a lot of learning for Andrew to do.

“He’s pleased me with the way he’s returned and he’s working really hard to get himself into good shape.

“He knows it’s a big season for him.”

After leaving Barrow to join Grimsby, Cook netted an impressive 11 Conference goals in 2012/13 when he was the Mariners’ top scorer. He found the going tougher the following season and he will no doubt be determined to be one of the division’s sharpest shooters this time around.

Bookmaker bet365 has faith in Cook’s abilities as they have made him their 16/1 sixth favourite to be the National League’s top scorer this season. The favourite to earn the accolade is Woking’s Scott Rendell at 7/1, and he leads the way ahead of Jon Parkin (8-1) of Forest Green Rovers.

Edmondson added: “He’s got goals at this level and I think he’s probably now fitter than he was when he was at Grimsby, which has got to be a plus.

“We’ve got to make sure that the supply line for him is as good as it was last season.

“And if you’ve got him fitter and stronger then the chances are he will be able to get on the end of a lot more.

“So, fingers crossed, he keeps fit and then he’s pivotal to what we want to do.”