APPLETON youngster Dominic Marie knows another year among the goals will start turning heads at clubs in leagues above.

The 20-year-old forward is in prolific form this season for North West Counties outfit Bootle, where is he is currently dual signed with Witton Albion.

The former Appleton Boys junior had signed a two-year deal at National League outfit FA Halifax, making his debut in April 2014.

But despite numerous goal-scoring loan spells last campaign, the ex-Bridgewater Community High School student decided to drop down several league in search of regular first-team football.

“It was a good experience at Halifax as they were pushing for promotion and I made my debut in front of about 3,000 people, which was brilliant as an 18-year-old,” explained Marie.

“I was training with Lee Gregory, who moved to Millwall that summer.

“But I went on loan a lot last season and it’s hard to get on to a run when you’re moving clubs. I didn’t want another season like that.

“I’m very happy at Bootle and it’s the first year I’ve got a consistent run in a team.”

But Marie, who is studying for a business management degree at Edge Hill University, says his goal is to eventually climb the league ladder again.

“It’s something now that I’ve had a taste, I know I can handle it,” added the former Warrington Schoolboys’ striker.

“But I don’t know how far football can take me, so I want to keep as many doors open as possible to balance myself out.

“I’m glad I’m doing university, but it does take second place to football. I hope to get back to that level with a couple of years’ more experience.

“Hopefully this time I can go and make a statement at that level as opposed to just being on loan somewhere else from a club in that league.”

And he credits his early-season form to the summer fitness work done with Ian Flannery’s Football Development Agency.

“Ian sorted us out with a personal trainer before pre-season and that has been a big help,” said Marie. “It’s played a role in how quickly I hit the ground running this year.”