JOSH Murphy is fit and raring to kick-start his Oxford United career after injuries hampered his first months with the club.

The winger has been limited to just three appearances for the U’s since joining in July.

He made a long-awaited return to fitness as a substitute during the home defeat to Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday, and says he is ready to be called on as United travel to Exeter City this weekend.

The former Cardiff City player said: “My body’s in good shape, obviously the injuries haven’t helped and delayed my restart but I’m chomping at the bit and can’t wait to get going.

“It’s been a long wait but I’m glad I’m fit again, and I’m just raring to go, to help get a positive performance for the team and give something for the fans to cheer about.

“There was a certain level of expectation when I came here but the injury happened.

“I’m fit now and I just want to help the team, the best that I can and change the performances.

“It’s not been good for the team but everyone’s still working as hard as they can to change results.

“Everyone can agree the luck’s not falling our way, injuries especially.

“With some of the results and performances, the fans want to see us back at our best and hit the highs that we know we’re capable of.

“We’re all disappointed as a group that we’re not hitting the right levels of performances that this club’s used to.

“It’s just about working hard and getting back to them levels.

“There’s still so much to play for, and plenty of time, and things will change for the better.”

READ MORE: Kyle Joseph on playing different positions for Oxford United

Murphy played under U’s boss Karl Robinson at MK Dons, enjoying a fruitful season-long loan from Norwich City.

Robinson has found himself under additional pressure this season, with United languishing at the lower end of Sky Bet League One, above the relegation zone on goal difference.

United’s head coach has the backing of his players though, says Murphy.

“He’s always been there to stick by us and support us, he’s a brilliant manager and that’s one of the reasons why I came to the club,” he said.

“All the boys are behind him massively, and for his and the fans’ sake, we hope we can turn it round because both the fans and the manager deserve good performances from us.

“We haven’t been playing well, and it’s not for a lack of trying.

“Everyone’s working as hard as they can, to try and change it, and hopefully with a little bit of luck, the ball might fall for us right.

“That comes down to us as players, we have to take it to teams, which we probably haven’t done in recent weeks.

“It’s going to change and I can see us pushing up the table soon.”