TARIQE Fosu says he is willing to do whatever it takes to maintain Oxford United’s superb form.

The winger has been a big hit since signing during the summer, scoring six goals so far.

But in recent games it is the 23-year-old’s contribution to United’s defensive effort which has been notable.

It came to the fore again on Saturday, when Fosu made several interventions around the U’s box in the 3-0 win over Doncaster Rovers.

Karl Robinson’s side have kept five clean sheets in their last six matches in Sky Bet League One.

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It has helped take the side to the fringes of the play-off positions and while Fosu would much rather be getting forward, he is learning to adapt.

He said: “If I have to do it I will because the full backs can get in dangerous positions, so I’ve got to get back and work for the team.

“I’m adding it to my game.

“I don’t enjoy it, obviously I want to attack, but at the same time I have to be able to do that part of the game as well to be an all-round player.”

He added: “I think my fitness levels are high now, I’m working a lot harder and I’m able to do that now for a longer period.

“I’ve just got to keep working hard and listening to the gaffer.”

Fosu has a close relationship with Robinson, having first played for him at Charlton Athletic.

And he believes the U’s boss will ensure the players do not take their feet off the gas as preparations for Saturday’s visit to Rotherham United continue today.

He said: “We’re working hard as a team every day and the gaffer is on us all the time to be better.

“I think that’s helped a lot.

“Obviously we’re in a good position at the moment, but we’ve just got to keep going.

“Standards are very high and every week I want to do well and for the team to do well.

“We’ve got a strong squad and just need to keep pushing to give the fans what they want.”

While hard work has been a theme for United’s rise up the standings, so has the use of their squad.

Injuries have struck down several senior players, but others have stepped in and delivered.

Top scorer James Henry said: “You’re never going to be a successful team with just ten or 11 players, you need 18.

“Everyone is going to play their part and they’ve been fantastic when they’ve come on or started.

“Mark Sykes deserved his chance on Saturday.

“He’d probably openly admit himself he hadn’t been on form at the start of the season, but he’s trained right and got himself back into the team.”