Draper, recruited by the Saddlers on season-long terms from Lincoln in the summer, hit his first senior hat-trick against Newport in October having bagged a couple of braces for Drogheda in a previous loan spell during the 2023 League of Ireland campaign.
The 19-year-old striker has been playing his way back to full fitness following a groin injury in recent weeks, but now feels ready to get back on course to reaching his minimum goal target for the season of 20.
Full of self-belief without being arrogant, Draper arrived at the Poundland Bescot Stadium aiming to be the club's top-scorer for 2023-24 despite the presence of proven 20-goal EFL marksmen Danny Johnson and Jamille Matt in the dressing room.
Sharpness
E He left Drogheda in July having netted eight times in 21 outings, confessing "it was the best pre-season I could have had, because of the sharpness I still had going into the season here".
This story is from the December 24, 2023 edition of The Football League Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 24, 2023 edition of The Football League Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Dutch star gives the Clarets an extra edge
BURNLEY couldn't hit a barn door during the autumn, and were widely expected to splash the cash on a striker this month.
POMPEY'S RECOVERY IS RITCHIE DESERVED!
MATT Ritchie's first two Fratton Park goals as a Portsmouth player is completing \"unfinished business\" according to John Mousinho, after Pompey beat Middlesbrough.
LAMPARD APPLAUDS BATTLING SKY BLUES
FRANK LAMPARD is satisfied with the progress his Coventry City players are making, praising their character and determination in overcoming a classy Bristol City side.
ROBINSON HITS BRACE AS THE BLUEBIRDS NET DERBY SPOILS
Emotional week for Riza ends on a high
McGOLDRICK DOUBLE PUTS COUNTY FIFTH
STUART praised Sprais County Maynard the Notts set-pieces as they scored twice from corners in a win over struggling Accrington Stanley.
If Enzo finds form, the fee's a bargain
ENZO Le Fee's loan move from Roma to Sunderland is a gamble.
HUNGRY ACE JOE ON GOAL MISSION
JOE Taylor is ready to unload six months of pent-up frustration after completing a £3m switch from Luton to Huddersfield.
BANNAN, MULLIN & COOK NET AWARDS
BARRY Bannan, Paul Mullin and Andy Cook are celebrating winning the Sky Bet EFL Goal of the Month awards for December.
JAY EYES MORE CUP HEADLINES
Defender ready for Eagles...
DI'SHON'S FOCUS IS ON THE DERBY
Players to ignore off-pitch tensions