Jon-Paul Pittman believes he and the rest of Oxford United ’s strikers need to accept the criticism if they fail to make the most of their chances.

Converting opportunities was the U’s Achilles heel last season as they finished with the fewest goals in npower League Two’s top ten sides.

Although it was only a friendly, there was a reminder of the problem in Friday’s pre-season game against Seacoast United Phantoms, who rode their luck before nicking a late goal to earn a 1-1 draw.

Pittman, who was due to make his first appearance on the US tour last night, is optimistic the attacking unit will put it right this season, but admits they have to take the rough with the smooth.

He said: “We’ve got good firepower and the lads are quite capable in all the positions across the front three.

“It’s just down to all of us to make it hard for the manager to decide which team he picks – we’ve got one of the best attacking units in the league, we’ve just got to prove it.

“Maybe as strikers we’re quick to take the glory when we score, everyone’s patting you on the back and we accept that.

“But you have to accept also when you miss chances and really should have put a game out of sight you’re going to come under some criticism as well.”

Pittman’s pre-season has been disrupted by a slight hamstring strain.

And the 25-year-old is keen to put a stop-start first season with United, which included a loan spell at Crawley Town and more injuries, behind him.