LIAM Sercombe expects an emotional return to Exeter City today but insists he is focused on one thing – an Oxford United victory.

A trip to St James Park was one of the first fixtures the midfielder looked for after making the switch from Devon in the summer.

Sercombe signed for his home-town club as a 12-year-old, making 271 appearances.

But he will find himself in the opposition dressing room at the ground he used to call home and admits it will be an odd experience.

“I was there for a long time,” said Sercombe. “It will be a strange game for me, going back to where I played for so many years, but I am looking forward to it.”

He added: “It will be very weird for me to go back there.

“I am a local lad and that is where our family home will be.

“I will bring my little boy up there when I go back, so it is a big place for me and I like to think they will give me a good reception.”

Sercombe has enjoyed an impressive eight months since signing for United in May, scoring 13 goals in all competitions.

And he is looking forward to playing in front of a host of family and friends who are unable to regularly watch him at the Kassam Stadium.

He said: “I have been trying to sort out some tickets, but it will be nice for them to go and see the game and watch me play there again.

“My brother is coming as well and he doesn’t really go to many games.”

However, with United returning to Sky Bet League Two action after back-to-back cup games, Sercombe is putting any affection he still has for the Grecians to the back of his mind.

And he has focused on one thing – ending Exeter’s three-match winning run with an away victory.

He said: “Hopefully their good run ends against us and we start the winning run we are definitely capable of.

“I think we will go there and get the win we will want.”

One thing for certain is if United get a penalty today, Sercombe will be the man to take it.

Despite becoming the latest U’s player to miss from the spot against Portsmouth two weeks ago, head coach Michael Appleton has kept his faith in the midfielder.

Sercombe said: “It is massive for me to get that trust from the manager.

“I know a lot of people have come off them if they have missed, so he is obviously confident in my ability to take penalties.

“I have obviously only got one more chance, so hopefully I will put away the next one.”