NEW signing Craig Russell is putting Oxford United's fight for Division 2 survival ahead of his own ambition to kick-start his career.

The 26-year-old striker, who is set to make his Oxford debut at Wycombe today, has arrived at the Manor Ground on a month's loan from Manchester City.

Russell was Sunderland's leading scorer with 13 league goals - including a four-timer in a 6-0 win over Millwall - as the Mackens won the Division 1 title in the 1995-96 season.

But after Sunderland were relegated from the Premiership the following year, Russell, valued then at £1m, moved to Manchester City in an exchange deal which took Nicky Summerbee to the Stadium of Light.

However, he's never been able to hold down a regular first-team place at Maine Road.

He said: "I have been with City for two years and it has not really worked out there, and you never know what is round the corner, especially in football.

"Since I went to City, I have been playing left wing-back, but with Sunderland I scored quite a few goals. Hopefully, this month I will get a few goals and we will get a few points on the board.

"If we win the next three or four games 1-0 I don't think anyone will be complaining. The points are more important than anyone's personal goal tally, but if I can get on the goalsheet, then excellent." Russell's move to Oxford sees him link up with his old mentor Denis Smith, who gave him his league debut as a teenager.

"I was only a young lad," recalled Russell. "He gave me my debut when I was 17, so we go back a long way. He started off my career.

"Denis has a proven track record and has always done well as a manager, and long may it cont- inue.

"It is a good opportunity for me. The club is struggling and if I can help them out - then great."

Meanwhile, Smith will look to strengthen his squad with another loan signing next week as goalkeeper Richard Knight returns to Derby after his month.

And United's boss doesn't need to worry about cover between the sticks as Andre Arendse will be back from the African Nations Cup.

His South African side were knocked out in the semi-finals 2-0 by Nigeria on Thursday.

Story date: Saturday 12 February

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