Lambert aims for Pirates progress

Lambert (centre) was a star of Rovers' FA Cup run (Getty Images)

Rickie Lambert says he can improve on his 19 goal haul in his first League One campaign and fire Bristol Rovers towards the play-offs next season.

The striker told BBC Radio Bristol: "I think I can do better next season.

"It's been an experience playing up front in this league. I know what it's all about so next season I'll know what to expect.

"We've had a season in this league now and we've stayed in it. We need to look to push on in the league next season."

The 26-year-old is confident of success regardless of whether Rovers bring in a striker to partner him up front.

Last month head coach Paul Trollope revealed that 2006/07 leading scorer Richard Walker would be allowed to leave the club, and is known to be keen to sign a replacement this summer.

"The manager's got his eye on someone, but whether he brings someone in or not I'll just try my best and concentrate on my game and try and get myself in the team week-in, week-out," said Lambert.

Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Leyton Orient meant that Rovers finished the season 16th in League One and Lambert felt it was easy to sum up the campaign.

606: DEBATE It has been a season containing more ups than downs mickmidlandgas

"I think it'll be remembered for the FA Cup run we had - it's been the highlight of the season but it's been our downfall after that," he said.

"It took a lot out of the lads to get to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and you could see that."