New striker Franny Green said he was delighted to be involved in the winning goal on his Oxford United debut on Tuesday night.

Even though the brilliant strike from James Constable, which brought Blue Square Premier leaders Oxford a vital 1-0 win at Forest Green Rovers, was almost all his own work, Green created the opening with the pass which set him free down the left.

“It’s always good to be involved in goals as soon as you get to a new club, and that’s good to get an assist,” said the 29-year-old striker, who only joined the U’s from Kettering a few hours before the game.

His 14th goal of the season, Constable’s effort was a genuine November Goal of the Month contender, and means he has scored in United’s last three games.

And with the team looking in control, manager Chris Wilder was able to bring him off after 61 minutes, giving fellow new signing Onome Sodje half an hour for his first appearance for the team.

But for Green it was a case of introducing himself to his teammates on the team bus, and then getting on with it.

“I knew a few of the lads already,” he said. “I’ve been playing for quite a long time now so I’m used to just getting straight into it.

“Football’s football, it’s about getting on with the job, and then you get friends with, and get to know, your teammates the more training you have.

“I had no qualms about coming in straight away, that was fine with me.”

It’s a case of Green for Green because Franny has replaced Matt, whose knee injury will sideline him for a further three weeks.

Green has joined the U’s on loan, but is expected to sign until the end of the season when the transfer window reopens in January.

“Getting Oxford up is the No 1 priority for everyone at the club and everyone in Oxford I would imagine, and I want to be part of that,” he said.

United chairman Kelvin Thomas added: “Chris has done a fantastic job in bringing these two players in. We were looking for a lift, and they have given us that.”

However, both Green and Sodje are cup-tied, so will not be eligible for United’s FA Cup tie against Barrow at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday.

OXFORD United winger Marcus Kelly yesterday completed his loan move to Kettering.