Chapman happy to assume added responsibility at Oxford United (From Bicester Advertiser)

Chapman happy to assume added responsibility at Oxford United

9:20am Friday 15th February 2013 in Sport By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

ADAM Chapman is keen to take on an added responsibility as Oxford United’s main creative force in the absence of Peter Leven.

The influential Scot has started an eight-week rehabilitation programme following keyhole knee surgery.

United are looking to bring in a replacement on loan to act as cover following a donation from the 12th Man Fund.

They are big shoes to fill heading into a vital phase of the campaign, but Chapman, who will again start in central midfield at Plymouth Argyle tomorrow, is keen to fill the void himself without the need for the club to bring in a new face.

He said: “The season we got promoted (2009/10) in the second half of that season I was the main creative player.

“Clisty (Simon Clist) and Bully (Dannie Bulman) were brilliant at getting the ball and it was down to me to hit that pass.

“I’m more than happy to have that responsibility.

“I’m quite harsh on myself. There was a volley at the end of the Bristol Rovers game I hit over the bar and I was gutted.

“I don’t expect to be perfect. I know I’m going to give the ball away, but I expect to hit that pass or hit the target.

“I take a lot of responsibility anyway for playing the strikers in and keeping the play moving.

“I’m not daunted – I’m more looking forward to it.”