ON-LOAN goalkeeper Jonathan Mitchell says he feels the lows of Oxford United’s struggles as keenly as anyone else in the squad.

The 23-year-old was drafted in almost two months ago as cover while Simon Eastwood’s dislocated finger healed.

United’s No 1 is expected to play next Tuesday in the Checkatrade Trophy, so tomorrow’s trip to Southend United could be Mitchell’s last start for United.

Despite the struggle for results, the loan has been beneficial for the stopper, who has more than doubled his career total of senior appearances.

But although Mitchell is due to return to parent club Derby County in January, it does not lessen the disappointment over the defeats which have kept United second bottom in the Sky Bet League One table.

“Everybody who plays football plays to win, I don’t think it really matters if you’re on loan or here permanently,” he said.

“One of the main objectives to get out and play is to get that experience you need. It’s been good experience so far, but obviously not what we wanted.

“We need to start winning games and that’s all we’re focusing on now.”

He added: “If you came to watch training the lads are always at it and we’re desperate for things to try to change.”

Mitchell came in for some criticism over his distribution at the start of the loan, but it has all been part of his learning curve.

He said: “It was just a couple of bad kicks, I don’t think it was the end of the world.

“You just look to improve every day.”

Eastwood’s return to training has not gone unnoticed, but the goalkeeper, capped by England Under 21s, welcomed it.

He said: “Football is all about competition and it can only improve the team. We have a good squad.”