Oxford United loanee Forster-Caskey happy at U's (From Oxford Mail)

Oxford United loanee Forster-Caskey happy at U's

10:00am Friday 5th October 2012 in Sport Photograph of the Author By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

Jake Forster-Caskey (No 18) is mobbed by Luke O’Brien (left), Damian Batt and Jake Wright after his free-kick goal against AFC Wimbledon

Jake Forster-Caskey says he is happy to play anywhere for Oxford United after taking on a new role in midweek.

The teenager has been a big hit since joining on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer.

He has mainly been used as an attack-minded midfielder, making the best use of his creative talents.

But on Tuesday a lack of alternative options saw Forster-Caskey drop deeper after Lee Cox went off at half time against AFC Wimbledon.

The loanee, who scored the opening goal in the 3-2 win with a superb free-kick, took on the added responsibility with ease.

Although he would rather play a role in the attacking third, the 18-year-old was pleased to help.

“I’m not sure I like that too much – I prefer going forward – but I’d do anything to be honest,” he said.

“I’m really enjoying it, I’ve got my third goal of the season and I’m delighted about that.

“Every time I play I don’t want to lose or draw, I want to win.

“No matter where I’m playing, whether it’s back at Brighton or Oxford I’ll never give less than 100 per cent and I think the supporters saw that (against Wimbledon).”

Forster-Caskey’s arrival has helped offset the loss of U’s star man Peter Leven, who has played a total of just 80 minutes this season due to injury.

The club did their homework on the youngster before completing the six-month loan deal, but first-team coach Andy Melville is thrilled with the impact the talent has made.

He said: “When you bring a young lad in you obviously do your groundwork and we watched him a few times.

“We knew about Jake’s personality and his work ethic every day for an 18-year-old is different class.

“He’s come into the club and shown it and he drives the older ones on, which makes our job easier.”

Comments (1)

10:31am Fri 5 Oct 12

BigOx22 says...

Hope we can keep JFC til the end of the season. Will be a shame if B&HA call him back but he is a decent player and I am sure he will go far in the game. Another good performance on Saturday please and another goal wouldn't go a miss.