Gatlin O’Donkor rediscovering ‘happiness’ at Oxford United

The young striker is firmly a part of the Yellows squad this season with O’Donkor and Mark Harris the only two striking options as the U’s navigate a temporary transfer embargo this summer.

O’Donkor had a tough year last season, injuries and off-field issues proving difficult, but now finds himself with a great opportunity to cement himself as not only an Oxford player but as a solid League One centre forward.

This year is a fresh start for the Englishman who is rediscovering his joy on the pitch under Aaron Ramsey.

“I’m in a really good headspace,” O’Donkor admitted.

“Coming back for pre-season, seeing a lot of people, seeing the staff again really put a smile on my face.

Oxford United stars Gatlin O’Donkor (left) and Jack Currie (right) model the new third kit (Image: Oxford United)

“When I was just able to get out there, start training again, playing the first three season games, managing to score, I feel like I really brought the happiness that I missed a bit last year.

“I feel like I’ve been around for ages now.

“I feel like hopefully this year can be my year where I can properly show what I’m capable of and repay that faith that a lot of people have in me and that expectation they have of me.

“I just hope this year I can have a positive one.”

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The young forward has already made an impact this season, bagging a stoppage-time assist for Ciaron Brown’s equaliser in the 2-2 opening day draw with MK Dons.

“Assisting isn’t really something I tend to think about, because normally I prefer to be on the end of them crosses,” the former Bristol Rovers loanee continued.

“But I just try to have a positive impact whenever I manage to get onto the pitch.

“We’re a team that wants to fight for every result in every game.

“Regardless of whether we’re 3-0 down, 2-0 down, 1-0 down or even winning the game, we want to go and score more.

Gatlin O’Donkor shoots for Oxford United (Image: Oxford United)

“The quality in the squad is obvious.

“So I feel like if we can get playing the way we want to play, I feel like we can have a really, really good season this year.

“Obviously, considering everything that has happened with the transfers, I feel like our squad is more than capable of competing regardless of the situation.”

With Harris starting both competitive games of the campaign so far, O’Donkor has been substituted on to play with the Welshman rather than replacing him.

The youngster scored his three pre-season goals as a lone striker but has made an impact in a front two.

“I’ve been around Sparky for the last couple of years…I feel like we understand each other’s movements.

“I feel like playing with Sparky is pretty easy for me.”