JAMES Henry reckons Oxford United’s midfield tweak will get the best out of him after completing his return to fitness.

The 34-year-old has been dogged by niggling injuries since March, when he picked up a hamstring problem during the 3-2 defeat at home to Derby County.

After recovering during pre-season, Henry then suffered an Achilles injury which saw him struggle for fitness.

However, he played the first 45 minutes of the win against Chelsea Under-21s in the EFL Trophy last month, before going on to feature in three of United’s last four matches.

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Head coach Des Buckingham introduced a new system in the middle of the park for the previous two games, with one holding midfielder playing behind two midfielders in more advanced roles.

Henry believes the switch will suit him, if selected to play in one of the more attacking positions.

He said: “There’s been a slight change from when Liam [Manning] was in charge, and this goes back to what we’ve traditionally done here.

“You can see the boys on Saturday have taken everything on board already, and hopefully we can continue to improve and keep playing like we did on Saturday.

“It’s a role that I really like playing, and I played there a lot under Karl [Robinson]. That was the main reason for me signing at Oxford those six years ago, to move into that position.

“It definitely suits me, and the current system suits the players we’ve got available at the moment.”

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On his return from injury, Henry added: “It’s been quite a while. I’ve had these little niggly injuries that have kept me out on the sideline, but sometimes when you’re doing that, you’re working even harder at the training ground.

“It’s part and parcel of football, you’re always going to pick up injuries, and that’s why you have a squad.

“We’ve got a few in there on the injury table, and all we can do is be ready to help the team out when needed.

“It’s frustrating because you’re working so hard to get back to the level that you were at, and it’s difficult because each day feels like an eternity when you’re inside rather than being out on the pitch.

“Ninety-nine per cent of players will be playing week in and week out with some little niggle.

“It’s just whether it’s enough to keep you off the pitch, or if you can play through it.

“I don’t think I’ve not played with a niggle since I was 17. I think most players will tell you that there’s always something going on, whether it be a knock, a dead leg, a tight calf or a tight hamstring. There’s always something, and that’s just part and parcel of football.”

Henry’s time spent recovering from injury means he didn’t play in a single game under former head coach Liam Manning.

“It’s crazy. The game where I tore my hamstring was the first one when he was announced, so after that, I couldn’t get myself back fit,” said Henry.

“I did the whole of pre-season under him, but had a little bit of trouble with my Achilles and was out. He obviously then moved on to Bristol [City] and we got our new man in.”