Brighton striker Craig Mackail-Smith staying positive

Brighton & Hove Albion striker Craig Mackail-Smith is confident of improving his goal return for the Sussex club.

The 28-year-old had a disappointing first season for the Seagulls, scoring 10 goals in 50 appearances.

He told BBC Sussex: "I feel more relaxed and at ease with myself. If I keep performing the way I am, it's bound to drop for me at some stage.

"The boys have worked me out a little bit more and are starting to play a bit more to my strengths."

He added: "I'm trying hard to be in the right positions and if I keep doing that I have got no doubt the goals will start flowing for me and the team."

The Scotland international joined Brighton from Peterborough last summer for a club record fee of around £2.5 million after scoring 99 goals in 212 games for Posh, including 35 in the 2010-11 campaign.

Mackail-Smith admitted his frustration with his goal haul for Brighton at the end of last season, but has returned positive after the close season.

"I went away over the summer and had a lot to think about because I didn't really enjoy it too much last season," he added.

"I found it quite difficult. I think it was a case of me changing my attitude and enjoying football more.

"I think that's helped me learn a bit about myself and work out how to fit into the team."

Brighton have not scored in their opening three games of the season and manager Gus Poyet is looking to bolster his forward line, but Mackail-Smith is confident the side will start finding the back of the net soon.

"We've played some great football and looked very organised," he said.

"The only thing that's missing is a goal and we all realise that in the squad and are doing our best we can to create and score chances.

"At this moment, it hasn't gone in but we're not panicking as we're only two games into the season."