KARL Robinson has sought advice from a former Arsenal and England striker in an attempt to cure Oxford United’s finishing problems.

Ian Wright worked under Robinson as a part-time first-team coach at Milton Keynes Dons during the 2012/13 campaign.

And with the U’s struggling to convert their chances, especially in Tuesday night’s 1-0 defeat to Fleetwood Town, the head coach got in touch again this week.

Robinson has also brought ex-Liverpool front man Robbie Fowler in to do sessions in the past and is not ruling out a similar visit in the run-in, if schedules permit.

“I’m very lucky that two good friends of mine are two of the best strikers this country has seen,” he said.

“I was speaking to Ian Wright about coming in and maybe doing something with us.

“He was just saying the players have got to get back to remembering what it was like scoring when you were 14, when there was no fear of missing.

“You’ve got to be so careful in this job because you don’t know all the answers.

“I’m not embarrassed to turn to people and ask for advice.”

Whatever it takes, the U’s desperately need to find their shooting boots for the visit of Southend United tomorrow.

The Shrimpers are only six points ahead of their hosts, but it makes all the difference – while United are sweating on getting safe, Chris Powell is able to start planning for next season.

Their recent form is a mixed bag, including a 4-0 defeat followed by a win by the same scoreline over Easter.

Robinson said: “On any given day can beat anybody, but as you’ve seen by their recent results they can also be beaten.

“But it’s about what we do.

“All our preparation will be on ourselves and how we think we can win.”

Robinson was left stunned by Conor McAleny’s stoppage-time winner on Tuesday night which left his side empty-handed after dominating long spells, but 36 hours later the head coach was more reflective.

He said: “We can’t be disheartened with our performance.

“It’s not like the players are letting us down, or not working hard or the fans aren’t getting behind the team.

“It’s just a case that in this moment in time when you’re in a precarious position, sometimes Lady Luck doesn’t give you what you need.

“You have to just make sure that you keep replicating top-level performances.

“If you do, you’re safe – it’s as simple as that. It’s in your hands.”

He added: “We believe our ball retention is getting higher, our challenges are getting more aggressive, our forward passing and crossing are increasing.

“It’s just a case of taking your chances.”