DECLAN MCMANUS believes Allan Johnston can bring the best out of him ahead of what he says is a pivotal season in his career so far.

The new Pars hitman is determined to bounce back after a disappointing campaign with Fife rivals Raith Rovers last season and insists Dunfermline are one of “three or four” clubs that will be chasing the Championship title.

McManus, 22, signed a one-year deal after quitting Fleetwood Town, who he joined in 2015 after leaving Aberdeen, with whom he began his career.

Despite three separate – and productive – loan spells with Morton, his move south didn’t work out and a temporary stint at Stark’s Park last season ended in relegation to League One.

But after following Jean Yves-M’Voto in making the switch along the A92, McManus told Press Sport: “I’m absolutely delighted. I spoke to the manager and as soon as he showed his enthusiasm to get me in it was a no-brainer for me.

“It’s a big season for the club and for me personally, especially after last season ending up so poor. There were a lot of aspects that contributed to that so I am delighted to be given a year here. That’s plenty of time for me to get back to where I know I can be, and help the club get back to where it should be.

“A big part of it is playing in a position you’re comfortable with and my game’s always been about scoring goals but, last year, I only managed about 10. For me, that’s a bad season but I want to score as many goals as possible and win as many games as possible.

“I know that I am of most value to a football team through the middle trying to get goals. I like to use the pace that I have got and I am looking forward to hopefully getting back to playing the position that I know best.”

McManus, who revealed he had interest from other Championship clubs, continued: “Every time I’ve played against them they’ve played good football so hopefully that will suit me as well. There’s a dressing room full of good players in there and it always helps when you’re playing with good players.

“ It’s a really open league; there are three or four teams who can go and win it, and I see us as one of them. The ultimate goal is to get back into the Premier League.

“We should be aspiring to do as well as possible because we’ve got players that can do that. It’s going to be a tough fight for places but I am buzzing to get involved.”