RYAN Taylor is looking forward to coming up against Oxford United for the first time since leaving last season.

The striker missed Plymouth Argyle’s 4-0 defeat to the U’s in November while he recovered from a broken ankle suffered on the opening day of the season.

At that stage the Pilgrims looked set for a long battle to avoid relegation, but Taylor’s return to fitness has coincided with a dramatic upturn in form.

Argyle have won 60 per cent of games in which the striker has started, compared to 21 per cent when he has not been in the XI.

And the 29-year-old, who was a popular member of the United squad until he was released last January, is relishing a return.

He told the Plymouth Herald: “There is definitely extra motivation, for myself anyway. I always think that.

“It’s the same playing against Portsmouth, Rotherham – or whoever it may be – there is extra motivation.

“You want to do well because you have still got friends there.

“It will be nice to go back.”

Taylor scored only eight goals in an injury-hit 18 months at United.

But his unselfish style meant he was valued highly by teammates and the coaching staff.

And Taylor remembers the spell with affection.

He said: “I had an injury there which kept me out for a bit but, on the whole, it was very good.

“We got promoted from League Two into League One, so I have got fond memories.

“There are only a few players there now that I know and there has been a shake up in the coaching staff as well so it’s going to be a bit different.”