John Campbell admits it would be difficult to keep his kit on if he was able to make an impact on debut for Oxford United tomorrow.

The striker has not featured since signing from Jarrow Roofing a month ago, but is in the frame to play at least part of their clash at Hartlepool United.

Tyrone Barnett, who has led the line in United’s league games, has returned to Peterborough after his loan spell expired, while James Roberts is not ready to return to first-team action.

It boosts the chances of Campbell figuring at some stage tomorrow – and the 26-year-old is champing at the bit to open his account.

  •  Our top stories

“It would be my first Football League appearance, so that would be special, but if I scored a goal I think I might rip my shorts off,” he said.

“As soon as I came in I’ve always wanted to be in the squad and playing.

“I knew (Tyrone) was going back before the Hartlepool game, so I’ve worked extra hard this week in training.

“Even if I only get ten or 15 minutes I’m there to try and score a goal to win the game.”

Campbell caught United’s eye after netting 24 goals in 19 games for Jarrow, but the step up from ninth-tier football has taken time.

The former Manchester City trainee believes he has never been fitter, after enduring a tough re-entry into the rig-ours of professional football.

He said: “The first week in training I was going home and being sick. Now I feel ready to go.

“At Jarrow we were playing on a Tuesday and a Saturday so we weren’t even training.

“I’ve been doing weights and I’m eating properly now, so I’m feeling much better.”

The location of the game back in his native north east also adds something to the contest for Campbell, who has scored twice in two games for the U’s development side.

And as a former player at Pools’ rivals Darlington, it is more than just his relatives who are keen to see him inflict more misery on the Football League’s bottom club.

He said: “It’s a big occasion in my neck of the woods so all my family are going to be there.

“I woke up this morning and had about eight messages on Facebook from Darlington fans saying ‘do what you’ve got to do against the Monkey Hangers’.”

He added:“I scored on Wednesday and hopefully the gaffer has taken note of that and I’ll get a chance.”

  •  Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.