There has been a new role in the Oxford United team in the last few games for Oisin Smyth.
The likeable Northern Ireland under 21 international is more used to playing in midfield but has proved his versatility at right back or as the right-sided player in a back three as United have started to regain momentum in Sky Bet League 1.
“I’ve had a little run of games now and it’s been really good” he told iFollow. “It’s been a while since I played three or four games in a row and playing that is tough on the legs but I’ll take that! I’ve been patient but with the injuries we had I finally got there and I’ve really been enjoying it.
“We spoke about a few things and one of them was having to be adaptable when you get a chance. All you can do is try to make things work and me playing out of position was one of those things, but on Saturday at Carlisle it was the most comfortable I have felt. It takes time to feel part of the team straight away but over the last couple of games I think I have been able to do that.
“Elliott Moore has been great with me. There were a few times he told me where to be on Saturday: I wasn’t about to shout back at him because nine times out of ten he’s going to be right! He is a really good organiser and I’m happy to listen.
“Since the turn of the year we are right up there in the form table. It’s all about the league. We have to take the Coventry game out of it, and Wimbledon which we knew we weren’t good enough in, and we have kept competing in the league. Injuries and illness affected things but we know we have the strength in depth to deal with it. I know that is how I got my chance: the Gaffer asked me to step in and play slightly out of position and I am happy to do that so long as it helps the team and keeps getting us results. If he’s happy with my contribution then I’m more than happy to play there.”
If Oisin’s versatilty was ever in doubt then a brief stint as emergency goalkeeper in the Trophy game at Wimbledon underlined just how important he is to the team…
“It was a one off” he laughs. “I’ve never played in goal before and even growing up I never did it, even if it was headers and volleys. But because I played gaelic football I think that was a factor and I was pretty comfortable in the end. I kept a clean sheet!”
United now have twenty games left to keep pushing for those promotion places and the 23-year-old is determined to help the team achieve their aims.
“The win last Saturday was a great result and now it’s a massive game on Saturday. We believe in ourselves and go out there every week determined to win for the fans. They were brilliant last weekend, freezing cold and after a five or six hour drive, and now we have a home game to look forward to and it’s up to us to go out in front of our own fans and keep this form going and hopefully get a win for them.”
Get behind Oisin and the team this Saturday when they come home to take on Northampton Town. CLICK HERE or call 01865 337533 to book a seat.