BEN Woodburn is planning to embrace taking on Oxford United’s No 10 shirt as the new signing eyes a big year.

The Wales international forward, who can play out wide as well as through the middle, has completed a season-long loan from Liverpool.

It sparked a big response from U’s supporters, less than three hours after Gavin Whyte’s exit to Cardiff City was confirmed.

Boss Karl Robinson was quick to hand Woodburn the Northern Ireland international’s shirt number.

“Ten is a big number, a lot of great players have had it,” Woodburn said.

“I just need to show what I can do and hopefully repay the club.”

He added: “Once you’ve had 30 or 40 games you’d be classed as trusted. That’s what I need to achieve here.”

Despite only being 19, it is almost three years since Woodburn was thrust into the limelight by becoming Liverpool’s youngest ever scorer.

A stunning debut goal for Wales in 2017 was another indicator the forward was heading for the big time.

But the highlights have dwindled since then and a loan last season to Sheffield United failed to sparkle.

With Chris Wilder’s side flying high in the Sky Bet Championship he found it difficult to break into the side and then suffered an injury.

But that tough experience, compounded by a long stay in a hotel – something United are working to avoid – should mean Robinson’s side reap the benefits.

He said: “Obviously Sheffield United didn’t quite go to plan.

“They did really well last year and I’m just hoping this year I can kick on and show what I can do.

“I feel like I learned it can’t always go your way.

“It was obviously hard in a hotel room. The quicker I can find a place the better so I can feel settled and home again.”

While Whyte’s exit was a blow, the way he has transformed as a player in 12 months adds to a growing list United have nurtured on their way to making it at a higher level.

Robinson, who is optimistic of further additions before the League One opener this weekend, said: “Liverpool look at Gavin, Marcus Browne, Kemar Roofe, all the people from before.

“This is a club and a manager which have worked with young players.

“What a great place this is for one of their most talented individuals.

“Liverpool certainly see him as one for the future, so we’ve got to be very careful with his development.”

l BURY’S opening game of the League One season has been suspended by the EFL.

The clash at home to Milton Keynes Dons was called off after the Shakers failed to meet a deadline to show they had evidence of financial viability.

Bolton Wanderers were handed the same ultimatum, but could satisfy the league so their trip to Wycombe Wanderers will go ahead.