OXFORD United will have to adjust their approach better when making use of Will Goodwin up front, says head coach Des Buckingham.

The 22-year-old striker has endured an injury-hit time with the U’s since joining from Cheltenham Town in January, managing eight appearances last season, seven of which were from the bench.

Following an ankle ligaments problem at the start of the current campaign, Goodwin made his first appearance of the season in United’s 2-0 defeat at Sky Bet Championship leaders Sunderland, replacing Dane Scarlett in the closing stages.

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Buckingham said: “He’s worked extremely hard and is another one who has been patient. He gives us a different way that we can play.

“We need to utilise him when he is on the pitch a little bit better, whether it’s to feet or we’re going to start looking to cross a little bit more and get players into certain areas.

“We’re now really testing the depth of our group and our squad, and we’ve shown with the group that we have what we can do, especially at home.

“We now need to make sure this is who we have and what we have, and we’re happy with what we have.

“We need to make sure we hit this week running because we’ve got two very important home games coming up.”