Jon-Paul Pittman says that he will take on board comments from manager Chris Wilder – and wants to stay at Oxford United for a long time.

The winger, who spent three months of the season on loan at Crawley and only returned to United midway through December, opened his account for the U’s against Crawley on Monday.

Boss Wilder has challenged Pittman to prove that he has the desire and attitude to stay with Oxford, and the former Wycombe man is hoping to do exactly that.

“I had limited opportunites earlier in the season, so it was best for me to go out and get some playing time,” he said.

“But I am back now and just want to get my head down, keep working hard and try and make an impact here.

“I just want to keep applying myself and if I can get some time on the pitch, then I will just keep trying to show some endeavour.”

And Pittman says that he hopes the future with Oxford is bright.

“It’s a great club and a club I want to be involved with for a long time,” he said.

“Games like Monday, where there is a big crowd and great atmosphere, are what every player wants to be involved in – it’s what attracted me to the club in the first place.”