Striker James Constable is determined to beat off strong competition to secure his place in Oxford United’s opening npower League Two fixture against Rotherham on Saturday.

‘Beano’, top-scorer last season with 17 goals, opened his account with the the only goal in their final pre-season game against Everton at the Kass-am Stadium.

“Finally I’m off the mark,” said a delighted Constable. “It was nice to see that one go in.

“It’s a big relief to get that first one. Some people might say pre-season friendlies don’t matter, but as a striker, I want to be scoring goals as often as I can.”

New signing Deane Smalley and Alfie Potter scored four goals apiece in pre-season, while Jon-Paul Pittman weighed in with three and young striker Aaron Woodley two – and Constable admitted he was starting to get anxious.

“JP, Deano and Alfie were all getting on target and it was getting to the point where I was desperate to get on the goalsheet,” he said.

Constable said the team were raring to go after a tough pre- season programme, which included a three-match US tour.

He added: “It was hard work, especially in America, but all the players work well as a group – everyone bonded well “The new season has come round really quickly and we’re all ready to go.

“It’s great to go unbeaten in eight games (in pre-season) and to do that playing some good teams (MK Dons, Birmingham and Everton) makes it even better. That’s four clean sheets on the bounce.

“It’s a great accolade to beat Everton, but it doesn’t mean too much unless we go to Rotherham and get a good result.

“We have quite a few strikers now, but it’s healthy competition and only bodes well for the club.

“It’s important now to stay in the sights of the manager.”