CALLUM O’Dowda says Oxford United’s stronger squad means he is prepared for his playing opportunities to be harder to come by than last season.

The winger from Kidlington was one of the big success stories in the previous campaign.

During a breakthrough year he made 43 appearances, winning United’s Jack Casley Young Player of the Year award and earning a call-up to the Republic of Ireland Under 21s.

But so far in pre-season boss Michael Appleton has preferred to start Alex MacDonald and Kemar Roofe in wide areas.

O’Dowda’s game time has either come as a substitute or in fixtures where the U’s have fielded those not playing in the main friendly matches.

In one of those, Tuesday night’s 4-0 win against Thame United, the 20-year-old caught the eye with a fine finish as part of an energetic performance.

O’Dowda is hoping it will force his way into the XI for Saturday’s final pre-season game, against Coventry City at Nuneaton Town, but is aware opportunities will not come easily in this United squad.

“I am prepared for it, because the standards are so high this year,” he said.

“You’ve got the expectations of the fans and especially the players.

We all believe we are going to get promoted – not just the play-offs, we want the top spot.”

For the highly-rated attacker, the key is making the opportunities count when they arise.

He said: “I want to get in the team, but for the right things.

“I think it’s going to be hard for me this year personally.

“Kem and Macca are both terrific players and me pushing them on is going to help.

“When I do get my chance I need to keep the performances up, because I know if I don’t they will be on my toes as well.

“I want to play as many games as I can, as anyone would say, but statistically I want to help the team as well.

“Last year I only got four goals and I want to help the team more.

“There were times I could have got a goal which might have earned us three points.”

He added: “When the chance comes, you need to be prepared.

“Even if you’re not in the team you need to keep that positive mental attitude.”