MARCUS Browne feels recharged and ready to attack the rest of Oxford United’s season.

The winger scored his first goal for more than two months after coming on as a substitute to earn a 1-1 draw with Sunderland.

It was a return to form for the West Ham United loanee, who had seen his form dip alarmingly over the festive period.

But a hamstring strain which saw him rest up for a fortnight might have been a blessing in disguise.

Browne said: “I went through a bit of a drought just before I was injured and I wasn’t physically 100 per cent, which is why I took the time out.

“I had a few niggles and then my hamstring went. But I’m over that now and recharged.”

Browne, who turned 21 last month, joined the U’s on a season-long loan last summer having never played a minute of league football.

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But he quickly shone and became a key player.

Only James Henry has scored more than Browne’s eight goals for United this season, but with injuries impacting other attacking players, he was unable to get the rest required.

Boss Karl Robinson admitted over Christmas the winger was only 40 per cent fit.

Browne said: “It’s a lot different here than it is back at West Ham.

“Sometimes you play two games back-to-back for a few weeks.

“It is difficult, it’s very demanding and as my first season in professional football I feel like it’s just taken a toll on me.

“I just felt like I lost a sharpness to my game. But I’m back amongst it and I’m ready to go to the end of the season now.”

It is a situation unlikely to be repeated – and that is not just down to a lighter fixture list.

During the January window United brought in Jordan Graham, Mark Sykes and Jerome Sinclair to increase the attacking options at Robinson’s disposal.

It has allowed the scope for changes, meaning explosive players are not asked to play 90 minutes every single week.

That should be a big boost in United’s battle to climb away from trouble in Sky Bet League One.

Browne said: “Before we might not have had the personnel to rotate, but I think the boys that have come in are terrific signings.

“I feel like there’s more chance of rotation, so players who need a rest can get one.”

He added: “We’re a team that’s here to fight and I’m sure we’ll be fine come the end of the season.”