BILLY Bodin is aiming to give his Oxford United career a shot in the arm at a ground that holds very happy memories.

The winger is in contention to start tonight’s Emirates FA Cup first round replay at Bristol Rovers (7pm), where he spent two-and-a-half successful seasons from 2015 to 2018.

Bodin had an injury-hit spell at Preston North End after leaving the Memorial Stadium, while he has played just eight times since joining United in June.

But the U’s 2-2 draw with Rovers nine days ago could have paved the way for the 29-year-old to make his fourth start for the club.

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He said: “The manager said last week that some people might not be happy with a replay.

“But for me and a few others, who don’t just need the minutes but are desperate to get back in the team, it’s an opportunity.

“If we do get picked it’s up to us to prove to the manager why we should be playing.”

Bodin added: “I said the other day that Sedds (Steve Seddon) is our only left back, so I’ll play there if needs be.

“I just want to be on the pitch and help the team as much as I can.”

Bodin was out for a month after sustaining a knee injury against Crewe Alexandra on August 17, before missing another four weeks with a sickness bug that went round the squad.

United’s good form has meant minutes have been hard to come by, despite the forward making an impression in training.

Bodin said: “The more match sharpness you get, the better you feel and when you do go into a game it’s like repetition.

“You know what you’re going to do when you get out there.”

Bodin joined Rovers in August 2015 after an injury-hit 18 months, scoring 37 goals in 107 games and helping the club gain promotion from Sky Bet League Two with United in 2016.

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He played with Matty Taylor at the Memorial Stadium, but the striker’s controversial move to Bristol City in 2017 meant the pair received very different receptions from the away fans last Sunday.

“We all had a bit of banter about it in the warm-up when they were calling our names and sung a not very nice song about Matty,” Bodin said.

“It’s a club that got me back into football and helped me massively in my career.

“I’d come back from my ACL injury and didn’t have a club.

“They took a chance and helped me progress my career.

“I’ve got huge respect for the club, especially the fans and all the staff that were there at the time, so it’s a club that means a lot to me.

“But I’m an Oxford United player and I want to do as well as I can for Oxford.”