JON-Paul Pittman is hoping for an end to a series of hamstring problems as he looks to finally compete for a regular place in the side.

Injuries have hampered the striker since he signed for the U’s last year.

This season has been no exception, with Pittman only starting twice so far.

The 26-year-old made his latest return as a late substitute against Rochdale on Tuesday night.

He will be keen to feature against Wycombe, where he spent almost two seasons before for the U’s in 2011.

Pittman is hoping this time he can stay fit using conventional methods, but admits he would not mind some divine intervention.

He said: “I’ve had two hamstring injuries since pre-season and I’ve been back within a month with both of them, so it’s not as bad as it could be.

“I just want to try and wipe them out altogether. “I’m not the most religious man, but it’s in God’s hands.”

The most recent problem came early in the 2-1 defeat at Cheltenham last month.

The pacy forward has a positive attitude, but admitted it has been tested recently.

He said: “You can’t let it get you down, but I have to admit when I was walking off the pitch I was absolutely devastated.

“It was another problem and the stop-start stop-start is frustrating for everybody.”