DWIGHT Tiendalli says his increasing fitness means he is able to make more of an attacking contribution at Oxford United.

Before signing for Pep Clotet last July, the full back had not played for two seasons due to knee and thigh injuries.

While further issues meant he only played twice before the end of October, the 32-year-old has featured regularly since.

Ricardinho’s suspension, which finishes against Bury tomorrow, has seen Tiendalli fill in at left back.

And while he knows there is room for improvement, the former Netherlands international is feeling stronger.

He said: “There were a couple of games I played where I was not happy with my performance.

“I’m never happy, even I’m playing well because you can always be better.

“Now my mindset is slightly changed.

“Before I was defending and helping the back four as much as possible and sometimes I didn’t have the energy to get forward more, but I try to balance it more now.”

Spending two seasons on the sidelines has brought its challenges, but Tiendalli has enjoyed being back in the game.

He said: “Of course you miss being with a group and training every day and playing games.

“I want to play every game, but my role has changed slightly now because I’m a senior guy.

“You know sometimes you’re not going to play because there are young lads who are coming up like Canice Carroll and my job is also to support them and give some tips for them to grow.”