James Roberts feels he can be of most use to Oxford United by playing his football elsewhere.

The young striker joined neighbours Oxford City on loan, coming off the bench in their 1-0 FA Trophy defeat to Woking on Saturday.

And he believes that playing regular football at City will make him better prepared to challenge for a first-team place upon his return to the U’s.

He said: “A lot of good strikers have come in during the summer and they’re doing their job and that’s made chances limited.


“Obviously it’s frustrating, but if what it takes to get back in the team is some time out on loan and scoring some goals, then that’s what it takes.

“The one thing that I want is minutes and the ability to help the team while helping myself.”

Roberts is yet to play a full 90 minutes for City, starting on the bench this weekend and only getting 45 minutes the previous week at Whitehawk as the match was abandoned at half-time.

Nevertheless, his first impression of City has been a positive one.

“It’s a well-run club, the training’s good and the attitude from all the players has been good,” Roberts said.

“It’s a really good set-up and I’m enjoying it so far.

“Hopefully I can settle into it and help them get the points rolling.”

And although his initial loan period is only for a month, Roberts, who had been on loan at National League Premier side Chester earlier this season, is not ruling out a longer spell at the club.

He added: “It’s always good to come into new environments and new styles of play and everything, but it would be nice to maybe settle into a team.

“If the chances are limited at Oxford then maybe a season on loan would be good.

“We’ll just have to see how this month goes.”