Brian Howard wants to shoulder the responsibility for getting a much-needed win by opening his Oxford United goalscoring account against Newport County this afternoon.

And the experienced midfielder insists if the U’s can show a ruthless side, they have the ability to be the best team in Sky Bet League Two.

Howard’s debut last month coincided with the team’s only league win, a 3-1 success against Accrington Stanley.

The 31-year-old was among the players to waste chances in the 2-0 defeat at Luton Town a week ago.

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He is determined to make amends as United look to climb out of the bottom two when County visit the Kassam Stadium.

Howard said: “I’ve worked hard in the week on finishing to make sure I hit the target more.

“I’m an experienced lad now and I like taking on the responsibility, so for sure I’m really critical of myself.

“I want to be better and need to be better, so hopefully I can get on the scoresheet this weekend.

“I feel in all three of the games I’ve played here I’ve had opportunities to score, so hopefully this weekend I can break that duck.”

After the Luton game, head coach Michael Appleton urged his players to do their jobs.

Howard believes United need to adopt more of a killer instinct and when they do, few at this level will be able to cope.

He said: “It’s more about being clinical in the final third and individuals in those positions have got to step up and be counted.

“If you get a chance, it’s got to be a goal.

“At the other end, if there’s an opportunity to get a block in, it’s got to be done.

“We’ve got to be really ruthless.”

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