JON Obika is ready to challenge Oxford United’s imminent new signings for a place up front after finding a new level of fitness in pre-season.

The striker made it six goals in four friendly games as Aldershot Town were beaten 3-0 last night.

The U’s were aiming to have fresh faces in before the trip to the Recreation Ground, where Curtis Nelson and James Henry also netted.

That delay is only temporary, with a medical booked for later today with an attacking player who is set to sign on a permanent deal – although the formalities may not be completed until Thursday.

At least two others are also close, but in the meantime a fit and firing Obika is making the most of his opportunity.

The 27-year-old wants the attacking unit to be strengthened, but feels he is now capable of holding his own.

He said: “Every player goes in (to pre-season) thinking about playing in the first game of the season.

“Reinforcements are definitely needed to bolster the squad. In every walk of life there’s competition. I’m looking forward to it.

“I feel fitter than last season. Pre-season in Ireland was one of the toughest I’ve been through and I’m definitely feeling the benefits.”

U’s boss Karl Robinson paid tribute to the work of fitness coaches Scott Daly and Damien Doyle so far in pre-season for getting the squad in such good shape.

And Obika’s displays have not gone unnoticed.

Robinson said: “I don’t normally single players out in the dressing room, but I just said to him ‘Jon, you’ve been sensational’.

“I can’t ask any more from him. He’s a threat when he’s playing like this.”

The U’s boss was speaking publicly for the first time since the weekend, when he made it clear he was expecting two signings would be sealed by yesterday.

He said: “I’ve got an apology to make to the fans, haven’t I? This 24 hours has been a very long time.

“We’ve booked a scan machine for tomorrow (Wednesday), so one will be then.

“One of them is playing somewhere else and the other one I’ve been told was meant to be today, but the club are doing a deal which is far greater than the one we’re doing.

“I’m dying to tell you, but I don’t want to jinx it. We’re so close.”

The target playing elsewhere is believed to be Sam Smith, who is on tour in Austria with Reading and scored against Besiktas yesterday.

Robinson remains keen to sign the striker on loan, but believes more than half a dozen clubs are also in the race.