JAMIE Hanson knows it could be now or never for his Oxford United career.

The midfielder is set to start tonight’s Papa John’s Trophy second round tie against Forest Green Rovers after returning from his latest injury.

Hanson last began a first-team game against Norwich City Under 21s in the same competition in September 2019 and has made just four appearances since.

The 25-year-old’s four-year contract does not expire until summer 2022, but he believes it is about time he showed United fans his worth.

“That’s what frustrates me the most,” he said.

“I haven’t really been able to prove myself yet.

“I think this is the season where it’s either make or break.

“I’ll try everything to make it a good season for myself.”

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Hanson joined United from Derby County for a sizeable fee in August 2018 and played 41 times in his first season.

But a succession of injuries, often muscular, have restricted him to just 12 games in the last 16 months.

He said: “It’s probably been the hardest point of my career.

“I just want to play football, but when you get injured you can’t do that.

“I’ve got to thank the physio staff and the fitness coaches because they’ve helped me a lot and hopefully now this is the last injury and I can push on.

“My legs are probably stronger than they’ve ever been.”

Hanson is one of several players who will aim to impress U’s boss Karl Robinson tonight, with 2,000 fans allowed in to the Kassam Stadium.

Read also: Oxford United youth product could make history tonight

While it is an opportunity for those on the fringes of the squad, the midfielder revealed United are aiming to go deep into the competition.

He said: “The mindset is to try to win the Trophy.

“For people like myself that haven’t played a lot of football, it’s a platform to go and show the gaffer what we can do.

“We’re out of the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup and this could be a great one to go and play at Wembley and hopefully win it.”

One man who will be keeping a keen eye on Hanson’s progress is first team coach Craig Short, who joined the U’s from Derby this summer.

The 52-year-old was Under 23 boss at the Championship club when the midfielder broke through and his presence has proved a boost.

Hanson said: “It was a big plus seeing him in the building.

“Shorty’s seen me when I played at Derby in my best times, so it’s nice to have someone there who’s seen me do it.

“Him and the gaffer are always talking to me, asking how I am.”