KYLE Joseph says the greater good for the team comes before himself in Oxford United’s search for a new striker.

Head coach Karl Robinson has made it clear a new centre forward is his priority in the final days of the January transfer window, potentially putting Joseph’s place in the side at risk.

The Swansea City loanee has played as both a wide forward and central striker for the U’s this season, but it is goals from those playing through the middle which has been a problem so far this campaign.

Robinson’s side have only managed seven league goals this season from those playing as a striker.

Matty Taylor has netted three times, while teenager Gatlin O’Donkor has scored twice.

Joseph has bagged two goals while playing up front, and another three when elsewhere on the pitch.

Asked about the possibility of the club of bringing in a new striker before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night, Joseph said: “Every club you go to will always want to strengthen no matter what.

“The way you’ve got to look at it is it’s the team, and you bring a player in to make the team better.

“We’re all one big team and we’ve got a collective goal of where we want to be.

“I’ll always back myself and I think all the other lads would say the same as well.

“You can’t help the noise outside, you’ve just got to focus on your own game and go from there.”

On where he sees himself playing his best football, whether it be out wide or up front, Joseph said: “Both roles suit me, they have different qualities that you need in some games against different personnel.

“I think 4-3-3 benefits me a lot, it’s probably the best formation that we play in.

“The two roles can be quite different, but I enjoy playing both of them.

“I played on the right when I was younger, and as a striker with the attributes I’ve got, I drift wide anyway.”

OPINION: Where do Oxford United need to strengthen in final days of January window?

Joseph missed two months of the season due to injury, but scored within seconds of making his return at Fleetwood Town earlier this month.

The 21-year-old netted a brilliant solo goal just moments after coming off the bench, with United going on to complete a comeback victory.

“I feel good and back firing again – I’ll get fitter and fitter as more games come,” Joseph said.

“When I was injured, it was easier to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

“We’ve become a team which is harder to beat.

“We’re not far off it. It’s up to us in the front line, we take responsibility and we’ve got to do more to get goals.

“That’s something we all realise in the group, we’re an honest group.

“Once we get it to click, it’ll help us get higher up in the league.”

Joseph remains with the U’s until the end of the season and is in contact with his parent club about the progress he is making during his loan move.

“They’re happy with how it’s going and the development that I’ve made,” he said.

“It’s about me getting games and exposing myself to first team football.

“It’s about getting a run of games and a full season under my belt.”