Jake Wright has set his sights on playing at a higher level, but the Oxford United captain has no intention of leaving this summer.

The 27-year-old found a new level of consistency over the past nine months and there was no surprise when the centre back picked up three prizes at the club’s end-of-season awards on Sunday.

While disappointed by the side’s failure to make the play-offs, Wright rates the season on an individual level as the best of his career.

He is one of the few U’s players whose contract does not expire this summer, but such displays will not have gone unnoticed and there is bound to be speculation about interest from above.

Just seven of the defender’s 289 career appearances have come above npower League Two, and he is determined to progress.

It remains to be seen what will happen if a transfer bid comes in, but Wright’s aim is to reach League One with United.

“I’ve got a contract and I really love it here,” he said.

“I’ve made no secret of the fact I want to play at a higher level – I want a chance and I think I deserve a chance, but hopefully I can do that with Oxford.

“I will be turning up in pre-season in good shape and will get ready for the start of the new season.

“Hopefully I will get promoted with Oxford this time next year.”

The ex-Bradford and Brighton player believes the amount of football he has played this season has been key to his success.

Wright missed the final two games of the campaign with a minor back problem, but still made 51 starts – the most of his career.

And the good news for U’s fans is there is room for improvement.

He said: “I feel like I’ve had a good year, but I don’t want to say it was just one good season, I want to continue with my consistency and grow as a player and a captain.

“I’ve made a few mistakes, not so much playing, but as a captain I think I’ve made a few mistakes off the field – that’s something I want to put right.”