AGON Mehmeti freely admits this season has not gone to plan, but with Oxford United in search of a hero, the striker knows his stay in England could still have a happy ending.

Lacking fitness when he signed as a free agent in September, the Albania international tore a hamstring eight minutes into his first start four weeks later.

That, plus a lack of impact as a substitute, meant Mehmeti was named in the United XI just once in the next six months.

His only goal was a tap-in at Peterborough United in September, but a lack of form and fitness from the squad’s other front men have seen him start two of the last three games.

The U’s are crying out for someone to take a chance tomorrow against Southend United, as a victory would significantly ease their relegation fears.

Given his season so far, Mehmeti would not be the first to spring to mind when looking for a saviour, but the 28-year-old is aiming to answer the call.

“It’s been a very difficult season for me,” he said.

“I’ve never had so many injuries before, but if I scored it would be a great feeling, at least to help the team.

“We will do it together and whoever scores we will be heroes together, because we are a team.

“The chances will come on Saturday, I’m sure about that, but we have to be focused and clinical.”

Adding the killer touch to some good build-up play has been United’s Achilles heel in recent games.

Boss Karl Robinson has been exasperated that the squad’s daily finishing sessions have not translated into matches.

But Mehmeti said: “I think it’s a bit different between training and games, because you don’t have so much time to think in games.

“It’s down to instincts.

“In training you’re more relaxed and in a game it’s more nervous.

“In training you have three or four chances, but in games you might only have one, so you have to be clinical.”

One win might be enough to keep United up and Mehmeti believes the position of tomorrow’s opponents could make a difference.

Southend’s 53 points makes them safe but well out of the race for the Sky Bet League One play-offs.

In that context, the clash is unquestionably much more significant for the home side.

Mehmeti said: “I don’t think it’s something special for them.

“They’re safe and everything is good for them, but we have to concentrate on ourselves.

“We have to go into that game with a strong mentality and look forward.

“It’s a great opportunity to get three points and if we play together as a team, press high and are aggressive then for sure we will take points.”