Rendell's on a play-off mission for Oxford United (From The Oxford Times)

Rendell's on a play-off mission for Oxford United

9:10am Friday 20th April 2012 in Sport By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

SCOTT Rendell says he has just as much riding on Oxford United’s push for the play-offs as anyone else in the squad – despite being contracted to another club.

The 25-year-old joined the U’s on loan from Wycombe Wanderers in January and will stay until the end of the season, including the play-offs if necessary.

United boss Chris Wilder has selected Rendell in a front three entirely comprised of loanees in recent games, with Dean Morgan and Cristian Montano on the flanks.

Players contracted to the club have been relegated to the bench as a result, which has attracted some criticism from the terraces.

But Rendell insists he feels the elation and despair of the team’s results just the same as anyone else.

He said: “I haven’t come here just to get some games, I’ve come here as an Oxford United player.

“If we do miss out on the play-offs that would hurt me more than anything.

“It’s not just a case of saying ‘I’ll just go back to Wycombe’, this is my club right now, so it’ll hurt as much anybody else.

“I went to Bristol Rovers earlier in the season and my understanding was it was just to get some games, but I’m here for a six-month period with a plan in mind, which is promotion.”

The former Peterborough United striker’s work rate has been impressive, but he is unhappy with a return of three goals in 15 appearances since moving to the Kassam Stadium.

And Rendell is hoping to put that right in the final few games of the campaign.

“I haven’t scored half as many goals as I’d have liked to,” he said.

“It’s still there for us, so hopefully we have a few games left I can play a part in and maybe score some important goals.

“Every striker would like to score more, but I’ve only got three since January, which is obviously very disappointing on my behalf.”

But after finding the net during a loan spell which helped take Cambridge United to the Conference Premier play-off final three seasons ago, Rendell is convinced that the hard work will pay off.

He said: “I believe in myself and the chances will come hopefully.

“I can’t recall too many fantastic chances I’ve had in the last few games which I should’ve put away.

“You need to take the rough with the smooth and do a job for the team – if you keep working hard, I’m a firm believer the chances will come and you have to be there to take them.”