ALFIE Potter says the secret to his return to form has been learning to enjoy football again after a difficult spell.

The winger’s future at Oxford United looked to be in doubt as he went six weeks without playing a minute of competitive action.

Potter admitted earlier in the campaign he was struggling to regain his confidence following a broken ankle last November, which wrecked the rest of his season.

The 25-year-old readily admits it was a tough time, but has bounced back in the last week and is likely to be one of the first names on the team sheet at Carlisle United tomorrow.

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First, he came off the bench to score in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Tranmere, earning a start at Northampton Town on Tuesday.

Those at Sixfields were treated as Potter delivered his best performance since tearing Portsmouth apart on the opening day of last season.

He won a penalty and scored the third goal in United’s 3-1 win, showing just how quickly things can turn.

Potter said: “There were times earlier in the season where I felt football was getting me down.

“But I woke up one day and thought ‘it’s a game’ and I need to start enjoying it.

“There’s no point going into training feeling down every day.

“It was up to me to work hard and get myself back in the team, I couldn’t let my head drop.

“I’ve tried to do that and hopefully the gaffer has noticed.

“Long may it continue.”

Watching from the touchline on Tuesday was Chris Wilder, who brought Potter to United, but is now in charge at Northampton.

The winger’s display did not surprise the Cobblers boss, who had to replace Daniel Alfei after the right back was given the run-around.

Wilder said: “Alfie Potter is a dangerous player.

“I know a lot about him, he was a boy I signed from Peterborough and he can do that, he gave Danny a hard time.”

Potter was eased back into the side following games for the development side against the Army under 23s, against whom he scored, and Swindon Town.

Some established players might have struggled to get motivated for the behind-closed-doors games, but Potter saw the value in them.

He said: “I’d been six weeks without making an appearance, so of course I’m going to want to play in a development game.

“No-one is too big to play in a development game.

“I thoroughly enjoyed it to be honest and getting a goal the other day, albeit against an army team, maybe if I hadn’t scored it then I might not have put that one in the back of the net (against Tranmere).

“Whenever I need minutes I’m more than happy to play for the reserves, but I want to be out here playing and I want to try and get a run in the side.”

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