TYLER Goodrham is relishing his new midfield role at Oxford United, having made the switch infield in recent weeks.

Having primarily played as a winger for the U’s, Goodrham has been moved inside by head coach Des Buckingham, in order to play as one of the two attacking midfielders in a 4-3-3 set-up.

Buckingham has utilised the system in the aftermath of the 5-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers last month, pairing Goodrham with Ruben Rodrigues as the advanced midfielders for five of the seven games since the Trotters loss.

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Goodrham praised Buckingham and assistant coach Chris Hackett for their work with him individually, to get the 20-year-old adjusted to the role.

Asked about playing in midfield in recent weeks, Goodrham said: “I enjoy it. The gaffer and Hacks have been quite good with me going through clips where I can position myself, and out of possession, I can drop in.

“I’ve got to be in and amongst it more, and get on the ball more so than I would out wide, and instead of being on the end of stuff, I’m setting off breaks and getting more secondary assists than anything else.

“I have to think more, and be aware. When I’m out wide, I can see everything, whereas in the middle, you have to check your shoulders more and there are more bodies in there.

“I really enjoy it, and as long as I’m playing, I’m not really fussed where I am because I’ll adapt to it.”

Goodrham meanwhile is celebrating winning United’s young player of the year award, having built further on his breakthrough season during the previous campaign.

This season, he has grabbed 10 goals and five assists across 47 appearances in all competitions. Among his goals include the match-winning brace at home to Charlton Athletic back in August.

Reflecting on winning the young player of the year award, Goodrham highlighted that finding consistency in his game has been key not just this campaign, but will be so in the long run.

He said: “It meant so much. It’s one I’ve been wanting to win for some time now, so I’m glad I’ve finally got it before I became one of the older or middle aged ones in the team. It really meant a lot to me.

“It’s been about learning and finding consistency. I’m going to have those inconsistences in there, but’s it’s about what I can do to affect it, so if I am having a bad game, then I can still be energetic, run around and tackle people.

“There’ll be inconsistencies. It’s just making sure it doesn’t go from a seven to a four, and finding that balance, but not dropping too far below the levels.”