A recharged Danny Hylton turned down a bid to move away from Oxford United so he could enjoy success with the club.

The 26-year-old was subject to an offer from Sky Bet League Two rivals Hartlepool United in the January transfer window.

But the striker insists he had no desire to join the Durham-based side.

The bid came at a time when Hylton had been out of the starting XI, but last year’s top-scorer only had one intention – staying to help United win promotion.

He said: “The gaffer mentioned it (Hartlepool’s offer) to me.

“No disrespect to Hartlepool, it was not something I was interested in.

“I said to the gaffer I want to be here and I want to be successful with Oxford.”

He added: “There are exciting times coming up.

“Everyone wants to be a part of it and be in the team.”



 

Hylton made his first start since December 19 against Portsmouth just over a fortnight ago.

It has been a frustrating time for the striker, who was an unused substitute for three successive games during that period.

Hylton, who last found the net against Pools on November 28, also started last week’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy area final second leg against Millwall.

And he is more determined than ever to keep his place.

He said: “I never thought my time at Oxford was slipping away.

“You just crack on in training and when you get your chance you have to be ready.

“It was the first time I have been out of the team since I have been at Oxford so it was a real eye-opener.

“It made me realise that you can’t take your foot off at all.

“I don’t want to be out of the team again and I want to be here so I am going to do everything to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

After back-to-back cup games, United were hoping to return to league action against Exeter City on Saturday.

But with the fixture called off due to a waterlogged pitch, Hylton says United are raring to go against Mansfield Town tonight.

He said: “If you take a positive out of the situation we had a tough game against Millwall so we have had a couple of extra days to rest our legs.”

l OXFORD United's trip to Exeter and home game against Dagenham & Redbridge have been rearranged for February 23 and March 15 respectively.