LIAM Sercombe is aiming to help solve Oxford United’s search for goals from midfield next season.

An inability to convert chances hampered Michael Appleton’s side for most of last season and only five teams in Sky Bet League Two scored fewer than United’s 50 goals in 46 games.

One issue was a lack of strikes from central midfield, which contributed just four league goals between them – two each for Michael Collins and Danny Rose.

Sercombe, who put pen to paper on a two-year deal earlier this month, hit four himself for Exeter City.

And the 25-year-old is convinced with the freer role promised to him by U’s boss Michael Appleton, he should surpass the seven goals bagged for the Grecians in League One during the 2011-12 campaign.

He said: “I do like to get forward and make the box.

“The gaffer said he would give me a bit more freedom than I’ve had.

“I’m capable of scoring more goals than I have done, he knows that.

“I look like I can fit in here and score some goals to help the team out.”

Sercombe’s willingness to take a shot on was a key factor in the decision for United’s long pursuit of the energetic midfielder.

Appleton thinks there will be times next season when the Exeter-born player will be asked to play a role out wide, but plans to use him most often in central areas where he can get forward.

He said: “I think he’ll bring something a bit different to what we’ve got in the middle of the park.

“He can also play in wide positions, which he’s done numerous times for Exeter.

“He’s quite dynamic and is a box-to-box player. He’s got an eye for goal and likes to get his shots off.

“We haven’t scored enough goals from outside the box, so it’s a big signing for us.