LEON Best says he is looking forward to the prospect of wearing the legendary number nine shirt over the course of the upcoming season.

The 21-year-old striker wore the number throughout his school playing days in Nottingham.

And now he wants to emulate the footballing heroes he grew up with who have also worn the famous shirt number.

"I always wore the number nine when I played at school. Partly because as a striker you always want it but also because really successful strikers like Ronaldo also wore the number so it has a lot of history behind it," Best said.

The Republic of Ireland Under 21 international wore the 22 jersey last season but his says he hopes carrying the iconic number on the back of his shirt this season will add an extra dimension to his already developing game.

"I'm really excited about wearing it this season. You play your own game no matter what but there is definitely something special about that shirt when you are a striker.

"It gives you that extra bit of confidence so hopefully I can get a few more goals this season."