ALEX Mowatt is relishing the chance to show what he can do at Oxford United after a frustrating start to the campaign.

The midfielder sealed a season-long loan switch to the U’s on deadline day after failing to secure a regular starting place at Sky Bet Championship side Barnsley.

Mowatt joined the Tykes from Leeds United in January and scored once in 11 games at the end of last season.

But the 22-year-old was restricted to just one start and one late substitute appearance this campaign, so he jumped at the chance to join United.

Mowatt was not involved at Milton Keynes Dons on Saturday, but did not expect to start having only met his teammates 24 hours earlier.

However, with a full week of training under his belt ahead of tomorrow’s match with Gillingham, the ex-England Under 20 international is now looking to make his mark.

He said: “I wanted to start the season playing and I had not been doing that.

“The reason I left Leeds to join Barnsley was because I wasn’t playing and at 22 I need to be involved.”

He added: “There’s nothing worse than sitting on the bench every game and watching the team.

“You don’t feel part of it, so I am here to play and get back to the form I had a year ago.”

Mowatt is confident he can bring something different to the U’s and says he will not be lacking through fitness.

But while he is keen to make a big impact at the club, says he will not be looking any further than this season.

“I only started one match this season, but have played some under 23 games, so I am ready,” he said.

“Anywhere centrally is my preferred position.

“I like to create goals and score goals but I’d like to think I will work very hard for the team too.

“I’ve not really thought about anything past the end of the season. I just want to come and play in a style of football that I like. That’s my only aim.”