STEVEN Craig has found goals hard to come by this season, but his manager Gareth Ainsworth said he's a vital part of the team.

The Scotsman netted his first goal of the campaign in his 16th appearance with an emphatic finish to put Wanderers in front at Cheltenham.

It was his sixth strike in 49 appearances for the club but the 99th of his career in total.

And Ainsworth said while Craig may not score many, he creates the space and shooting opportunities for his team mates to grab the glory.

He said: "He doesn't score as many because he's more of the battering ram we use up front. He causes centre halves real pain. Ask our centre halves - they hate playing against Stevie Craig because he's such a thorn in the side all game. He will never stop.

"He opens a lot more opportunities for other people to pitch in and score.

"He won't be a 20 goal a season man but if he can make someone else that double figure man - I know what he's doing and that's all that matters. Stevie Craig is very important to me.

"Stevie's got two great feet and can finish with either foot. He has a calibre of scoring. He's got 99 goals and you don't get that from not being a good centre forward."