MARK Harris wants to fight to lead the Oxford United frontline after new striker Will Goodwin made his debut for the club.

Goodwin signed for the U’s from Cheltenham Town last month, but a minor quad injury ruled him out of the first four games since joining.

However, he made his first United appearance when he came off the bench just after the hour mark in the 1-1 draw at Blackpool.

The striker replaced Tyler Goodrham, and went straight up front, while Harris, who had earlier brought the U’s level, moved to the right-hand side.

Harris said: “I’ll play wherever I’m put, but I’m enjoying playing up front and I want to stay up front.

“We’ve brought Will in, and you can see he’s a good player. He’s going to be playing, and if that means I’ve got to go out wide, then hopefully I can give him some service, by getting assists or still scoring.

“As long as I’m on the pitch, I’ll be happy.”

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Harris’ goal against Blackpool was his seventh in nine games in 2024, as he continues with a purple patch in front of goal.

It follows a run of 11 matches in all competitions without scoring to end 2023, while he also endured a sequence of 18 games in Sky Bet League One without a goal, prior to finding the net on New Year’s Day.

“It’s nice after going a few months without one. It’s nice to be scoring but the main thing is the three points,” said Harris.

“We’re a bit disappointed with that. Both teams had good chances and it’s probably a fair result, but we’re a little bit disappointed we didn’t get the three points.”

He added: “The boys are trying to push for starts, and the boys who are starting have got to keep their place.

“We’ve got a good squad coming and there’s still a few more to come back. Hopefully we can keep everyone fit and firing until the last few games, and we’ll be where we need to be.”