WHILE Oxford United’s strikers go into tomorrow’s game in need of a boost, their defenders will be well aware of the danger posed by one of Shrewsbury Town’s forwards.

Tyrone Barnett spent three months on loan with the U’s earlier this season.

He is still the club’s second highest scorer in this campaign after bagging six goals in 12 starts before the loan expired in December.

United were keen on bringing him back and had a significant transfer fee accepted by Peterborough United during the January transfer window.

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It remained a possibility up to the final hours of deadline day, when the promotionchasing Shrews won the race for his signature in a move rumoured to be around £100,000.

United’s strikers have not netted from open play since losing out on Barnett.

Derek Fazackerley, assistant head coach, said: “He brought something different.

“I don’t think in terms of his form he set the world alight, and that’s not being disrespectful to Tyrone, but he did offer us a physical presence and certain aspects of the game we lack at times.

“He chose to go to Shrewsbury and has done reasonably well for them.”

Barnett has had a mixed time since moving.

The striker scored on his debut but a run of seven games without success saw him dropped to the bench on Tuesday, when he scored as a substitute in the 4-1 win at Morecambe.

Fazackerley said: “He scored six goals in 12 games (for United), so he was a threat for us and he’ll be a threat if he’s playing for the opposition.

“He’s one we have to cater for.”