ROSS Jenkins believes Oxford City star man Zac McEachran is hitting new peaks this season.

The 28-year-old midfield ace has been a key cog for the Hoops in recent years, and after shaking off a virus earlier this campaign, Jenkins reckons McEachran is the fittest he’s seen him, and has got more ‘drive and desire’.

McEachran was in impressive form last time out for City, scoring and getting an assist in the 3-2 win at home to Woking.

READ ALSO: Oxford City boss looking to avoid Arsenal situation after adding keeper

Hoops head coach Jenkins said: “Josh Ashby did a really good job when Zac was out, he filled in that position really well and he took that shirt if I’m being honest.

“He was a real force for us and a really key player, and since his injury, we’ve missed Ashby.

“The timing of Zac returning when Ashby drops out has obviously worked out quite well.

“Zac’s probably the fittest I’ve seen him since I joined the football club. He’s worked extremely hard behind the scenes to get to that level.

“He knows he’s got bundles of ability and we know he’s got bundles of ability.

“I think the step up has challenged him even further, and he’s got more drive and desire.

“It’s clear to see. Against Woking, I thought he was outstanding and back to the Zac that we all know.

“Those games that he was missing for, it was about making sure that he was right. We’ve got to make sure the players’ health and care comes first, and we did that.

“We’ve given him plenty of time to get back to Zac ways, so we’re hopefully we’re seeing his true colours now of what Zac can do in the National League.

“If we get anything from what we saw against Woking, then no problems at all.

“I think this year, he’s looking to chip in with more goals and more assists, and really stand up to the challenge.”

Discussing the fitness situation in his Hoops squad, Jenkins said: “Obviously Ashby is now missing, so it’s worked out in one way, but in another way, I’d like to have a full strength team.

“I’d like to have Ashby back and Fleety’s [Reece Fleet] been missing for a few weeks now as well, so we’re still a little bit light in the boys from last season that got us promoted.

“Those two boys are really key players, and Alfie Potter is another one.

“We’ve only just had Nya [Kirby] back training so we are getting back.”

City make the trip to Ebbsfleet United in the Vanarama National League this weekend, with both clubs currently sitting in the relegation zone.