Premier League legend says Oxford United forward must ‘step up’

The U’s are battling relegation this season and Lankshear is currently the club’s top scorer with nine goals in all competitions.

The 20-year-old’s talent and professionalism has seen him become a standout player and a fan favourite whilst on loan at United from Tottenham Hotspur.

This has resulted in him being tipped as a game-changer by former Sunderland and Southampton striker Phillips as Matt Bloomfield’s men look ahead to a crucial run-in.

Oxford United’s Will Lankshear celebrates scoring (Image: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)

“He’s a type of player that needs to step up,” Phillips declared.

“He’s on loan from Spurs. He’s been on loan at West Brom, played a good amount of games and didn’t score. But this season, 33 appearances, [nine] goals.

“I’d like to see him – if Oxford have any opportunities to stay in the league – he’s chipping in now with seven, another seven or eight goals would give them a real opportunity.

Will Lankshear controls the ball for Oxford United (Image: ©Jason Dawson)

“He’s got ability. He just needs to showcase it a little bit more consistently. But he’s a good player. You don’t play for Tottenham if you haven’t got ability.

“This is a good stage for him now to show what he’s really all about.”

Lankshear recently bagged in two games running for the second time this season after netting in wins over West Bromwich Albion and Preston North End.

The striker also won Oxford’s first penalty in 675 days against Charlton Athletic which U’s captain Cameron Brannagan subsequently scored.

Kevin Phillips in charge of South Shields (Image: Will Matthews/PA Wire)

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Ex-Premier League marksman Phillips also revealed his thoughts on the Yellows’ chances of survival and their fortunes under Bloomfield.

“Firstly, if they do go down, he is a good manager,” the 52-year-old said.

“He has every opportunity of bringing that club back to the Championship.

“Again, it depends on what funds could be made available, what players leave, what players come in. But he’s the right type of manager to get them out of League One.

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Matt Bloomfield barks orders to Oxford United players from the touchline (Image: ©Jason Dawson)

“Can he keep Oxford in the league? It’s going to be a tough, tough ask.

“All they can do every game is go out and give everything they’ve got. The players need to step up and perform.

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“They’ll believe within the camp that they can do it. I wish them all the very best.

“[Bloomfield] had a tough time at Luton, didn’t he? A lot of people are saying they probably acted a little bit too early.

“He’s a good manager. It’s still there to play for.

“Only time will tell, but he’s a very good manager.”