Nigel Clough is backing Liam Boyce to break the 20-goal barrier for Burton Albion this season.

The Brewers' record signing opened his account for 2018-19 at the first time of asking on Saturday, although his close-range finish was not enough to prevent his side from falling to a 2-1 defeat to Rochdale.

Having seen his maiden campaign in English football decimated by an ACL injury last season, Boyce is keen to make his impression felt in League One this time around - and he was in dominant form at the weekend.

The Northern Ireland international's game is about more than just scoring, with his hold-up play and ability to bring teammates into the game setting him out as one of Burton's key men.

Liam Boyce slots a finish past Rochdale's Josh Lillis

But manager Clough feels his star striker could become the first Brewer since Shaun Harrad in 2009-10 to reach 20 goals in a campaign - if he can stay fit.

"That's three in three he's got now if you count the two pre-season games," said Clough, referencing Boyce's finishes against Alfreton Town and Cardiff City before the Rochdale clash.

"He goes on the pitch now thinking he's going to score.

"But he gives you so much more.

"His all-round play on Saturday was excellent, bringing people into the game.

"If he stays fit, we think he'll get 20 goals for us this season."

Boyce - who finished as the leading marksman in the Scottish Premiership ahead of his move to Burton in June 2016 - will be Albion's leading man this season, but he has plenty of support from others with proven goalscoring records.

Lucas Akins was Burton's top scorer in their previous League One campaign and Marvin Sordell is capable of eye-catching moments in front of goal, while new signings Scott Fraser and David Templeton offer threats from midfield.

Josh Lillis produces a stunning save to deny Marvin Sordell

The Brewers' inability to score with more than one of their 17 shots at goal against Rochdale proved crucial, and they will want to show more ruthlessness at Gillingham next weekend.

"We have to defend better, and then we have to take chances," added Clough.

"We created so many situations against Cardiff and Aston Villa, in the first half, and ended up with one goal (they lost 5-1 and 4-0 in those respective pre-season games).

"On Saturday, we created so many and ended up with one goal again.

"It doesn't take an awful lot of working out - defend better and just finish off some of the chances.

"I think on Saturday if we'd have come out in the second half and with Rochdale, the sort of team they are, could have gone on and got three or four against us.

"But we pinned them back for long periods and also played some very good stuff.

"So we are pleased with a lot of it."