Parker happy to be part of Oxford United squad (From The Oxford Times)

Parker happy to be part of Oxford United squad

9:30am Friday 22nd February 2013 in Sport By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

Josh Parker (right) is keen to play a role in Oxford United's run-in, whether as a starter or by coming off the bench

JOSH Parker wants to contribute to Oxford United any way he can in the final weeks of the season after making his first start last weekend.

The 22-year-old replaced Alfie Potter on the right flank and impressed in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Plymouth Argyle.

Parker has had to be patient for a chance since joining in December, making only six appearances from the bench in eight weeks.

U’s boss Chris Wilder admitted after the game he had been considering playing the former Oldham forward even before Potter was struck down by an illness following decent displays as a substitute.

Potter, who has had little competition for his shirt this season, is expected to have recovered in time for tomorrow’s game against York City, which could see Parker relegated to the bench once more.

The Antigua & Barbuda international is keen to hang on to a place in the XI after completing 90 minutes at Home Park, but his focus is on helping the side in whichever way Wilder sees fit.

He said: “Hopefully I can keep my place, but if not I’ve just got to keep working hard.

“I just want to be a part of it, even if it means coming off the bench.

“All you want is to play football, whether that means playing ten minutes or 90 minutes I’ve just got to do well.”

Parker was pleased with his display at Plymouth after being called into the team at short notice.

He said: “I had Damian (Batt) behind me giving good information, Jake (Wright) was constantly saying well done.

“It really helps when people are giving you positive criticism or positive feedback.”

The versatile forward, who played in the Championship for QPR, says he has been struck by the positive mood in the squad.

He said: “I’ve been here a short amount of time, but I’ve been made to feel very welcome by the players.

“It’s helped me settle in quickly, I feel like I’ve been here for years because all the players have been good to me, they’ve been telling me what I can improve on.

“I’m still young, so I just look to learn from players like Beano (James Constable) and Tommy (Craddock). Every training session they’ve helped me since I’ve come in.”