JAY Matete admits he is still figuring out his best position on the pitch, but is raring to go for Oxford United after making his first start for the club.

The 23-year-old midfielder joined the U’s on loan from Sunderland late on deadline day, and made substitute appearances at home to Reading, and away at Blackpool.

He then started the 4-2 win at home to Wigan Athletic in midweek, playing 67 minutes before being replaced by Ruben Rodrigues.

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Matete is widely viewed as a holding midfielder, but with a neat passing range and ability to get further forward, he could yet forge a career as more of a box-to-box player.

He said: “I like to do both. I can play in the six and I can play a bit more advanced in the eight.

“I’ve not really sussed out my best position yet, but wherever the manager wants to play me, I’ll play there.

“I’m ready to go now. I got a good 65 minutes under my belt, which I needed, and now I want to try and kick on, and show the fans what I can do.

“I’ve settled in quite quickly, the lads have been good with me. It’s close to home, so I’ve settled in really quickly.”

In making his first start in midweek, Matete played alongside Marcus McGuane in a double pivot for United, with Cameron Brannagan pushed further forward.

It meant Rodrigues, who had started 27 league games compared to just two substitute appearances, dropped to the bench.

Matete said: “Ruben’s been very good this year for Oxford, and there’s a lot of competition for places now.

“Everyone’s got to be training well, and when they get their chance, they’ve got to take it.

“We’ve got a really strong squad and there’s a lot of depth now in the team, which is good because everyone’s fighting for a place in the starting XI. It betters everyone, and it’s really good.”

The U’s make the short trip to Wycombe Wanderers this afternoon, to take on a side sitting 15th in Sky Bet League One, and just six points ahead of the relegation places.

Matete said: “We know what Wycombe are going to be like. It’s going to be a difficult game and very physical.

“Every game is different, but we try to enjoy every game. We’re going to go there and aim to get the three points.

“Right now, we’re within the top six. We’ve got a good run of games coming up, and it’s a good opportunity to get a run going, and try to finish this back end of the season really strong, and hopefully finish in the play-off positions.

“With two games at home after, we need our fans to be onside cheering us on. We want to be playing at home because we’ve got a great surface, and we’re looking forward to it.”