ROB Hall is on a mission to show he can get back to top form after signing a new contract with Oxford United.

A 12-month deal, which has an extension option, gives the winger an opportunity to prove himself after a series of injury problems.

After missing half the 2017/18 campaign, Hall sat out eight months of this season with another knee issue.

The two lay-offs have limited him to just six appearances since November 2017, but the 25-year-old is upbeat about putting it behind him.

He said: “If I’m going to be honest, I’m looking to shut a lot of people up – anyone who might doubt you or think you won’t be able to do certain things.

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“I’m just focusing on coming back and letting my feet do the talking.”

The contract is structured in a way that ensures Hall is rewarded when he plays, while reducing United’s commitment if he is sidelined.

Staying on provides a happy ending to a year where the former England youth international endured huge challenges.

Hall, who returned from a ruptured cruciate ligament in 2016, was troubled with niggles throughout last summer.

It was wear and tear which was not healing naturally, so an operation was needed to drill two holes and break the bone in a way it would regrow in a different manner.

He said: “It was a horrible season, probably the worst time of my life.

“I’ve always been mentally strong, but I’ve never had something thrown at me like I have in this last year and a half.”

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Recovery was painfully slow, to the point where Hall was doing anything he could to speed up the process.

He said: “I don’t normally have milk, but I was drinking cups of it in the early stages.

“Jaz (Jasmine Campbell, United’s nutritionist) did so much for me which I’m thankful for, but when you’re sat on your own at home on a machine for eight hours you end up typing this stuff in Google.

“I found drinking milk helps you. I can’t do it any more.”

Hall, whose strong ties with the U’s began on loan in 2011, was keen to stay if possible.

He said: “I’ve always made it clear how much I love it here.

“I can’t look back on the last two seasons. I just need to rebuild and kick on now.”