AN absence of attacking instructions is the key to Oxford United’s prolific goalscoring partnership, according to Kemar Roofe.

The 22-year-old has developed an understanding with Danny Hylton which has seen the pair bag 13 goals in the last nine games where they have started together.

They have found the net four times each so far this season and will be looking to cause more problems when United visit Bristol Rovers on Sunday.

Roofe thinks the key to the success is being given total freedom by head coach Michael Appleton.

The forward said: “Defensively there are instructions, but I think when you’re attacking there are none.

“You just have to do what you do best and go out with no pressure.

“I’ve got a licence with Hylts to go anywhere, we bounce off each other well.”

After scoring in the 2-0 win against Yeovil Town last week, Hylton spoke about his unpredictable style.

He said: “Sometimes it’s off the cuff.

“I don’t think any player knows exactly what they’re going to do all the time.

“It’s the way I play and if I can keep scoring or bring something to the team then happy days.”

Roofe, who praised his strike partner’s infectious work rate off the ball, has the job of trying to figure out where Hylton is going.

But he revealed the pair rarely needed to speak to each other during games.

“Not much, only when we want the ball off each other,”

he said.

“I think we’re both intelligent players so we don’t really need to talk. We just know what to do.

“I kind of guess and anticipate what he’s going to do and try to get myself in the position where I think the ball might come to.

“If it doesn’t come then I tell him.”

The pair’s goals have fired United to an unbeaten start to the season which has put them among the early pace-setters in Sky Bet League Two.

But Roofe is not satisfied.

He said: “We’re still not happy, but we’re getting stronger game-be-game.

“We’re working on our weaknesses and I think there’s still more to come.”