OISIN Smyth was left with mixed emotions after making his first league start for Oxford United.

The midfielder joined the club from Dungannon Swifts on deadline day in January 2022, and has had to be patient to make his mark.

In last weekend’s 3-2 defeat at home to Derby County, Smyth replaced the injured James Henry in first half stoppage time, to make his U’s league debut.

New head coach Liam Manning watched that game from the stands but saw enough to hand him his first league start away against Morecambe.

Smyth said: “I think Derby was frustrating, I always want to set high standards no matter what level I play at.

“There were times when things didn’t come off for me but at the end of the day, I was going to be rusty.

“I know the more I play, the better it’ll be.”

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United conceded a late equaliser against Morecambe, to deprive Manning a winning start in charge.

Smyth said: “We’re deflated, we want to win.

“You could look at it as two points lost but at the same time, it’s one point gained.

“The gaffer’s only been in one week, with four training sessions with him, so it’s only going to get better.”

Against the Shrimps, Smyth played in an advanced midfield role, ahead of Cameron Brannagan and Marcus McGuane.

Primarily regarded as a more defensive midfielder, Smyth said the attacking role was nothing new to him.

“I’ve played there before. The gaffer was obviously watching me in training and thought I could do a job for him,” he said.

“It’s as good a changing room as you’ll walk into, we’re all aiming towards the same goal.

“We’ve a small changing room at the minute with boys injured so we’re going to need everybody.”