MARCUS Browne’s display as a central striker had his Oxford United teammates purring – but Mark Sykes insists the Middlesbrough loanee only scored once.

Browne was the outstanding performer in a 2-1 win against Blackpool which kept the home side in touch with the Sky Bet League One play-off pack.

He terrorised a vulnerable Tangerines back line and was initially credited with both goals.

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But replays showed the equaliser went in via Sykes, who claimed it despite admitting it was completely unintentional.

He said: “Browney was brilliant, but when he struck it the ball came off me and the keeper had gone the wrong way. I’ll take it.

“They all count and it’s another goal to add to my tally.”

United had been trying to sign an extra centre forward in the January window, but Browne’s performance showed he could be a viable contender from now on.

Cameron Brannagan said: “I thought Marcus Browne was different class, unplayable.

“He was strong, he’s got pace, power, finishing. It was great to have him up there.”

The midfielder, who returned from injury to start, also backed up Sykes’s argument.

He said: “I’m giving it to Sykesy. Browney’s claiming it, but maybe if it doesn’t take a deflection it doesn’t go in.

“It’s gone in – that’s all we care about.”