DAVE Kitson has yet to get off the mark for Oxford United, but if it is weighing heavily on the summer signing he is not showing it.

The 33-year-old has received plenty of praise from teammates during the strong start.

Deane Smalley and Alfie Potter in particular have credited their productive displays have been partly down to the influence of the former Reading and Stoke City striker.

Kitson is due to make his sixth appearance for United at Cheltenham Town tomorrow.

While there was a time when such a goalless streak would have prompted plenty of angst, now he insists as long as the team are winning it is not a problem.

He said: “I used to get angry if we won and I didn’t score, now it’s the other way around – I just want to win and I really don’t care if I score or not.

“Honestly, I’m not fussed.

“It would be nice to score a couple of goals, but I said the same thing to Sheffield United last season, it doesn’t matter at all as long as we win, whereas years ago if you didn’t score it was like the end of the world.”

Indeed, Kitson views his role in the team very differently to when he was playing up front in the Premier League.

“These days I don’t see myself as a striker,” he said.

“I can play there, I’m not sure how potent I’d be at this stage because I’m not the quickest.

“I’ve had a few knocks and had my knee rebuilt, which takes it out of you.

“The manager wants me to play is to stop the opposition and when I get it as that link point give it to someone who can do a bit.”

Of his new teammates, Kitson has been deeply impressed with Potter.

The winger’s solo effort against Burton last weekend prompted a comparison with the very best.

He said: “The way he ran through reminded me of (Lionel) Messi a little bit.

“It’s not a far-fetched comparison, they are the same height and (stand out) relative to the leagues they play in.

“There’s nothing better if you get on the ball and see a player who can run you out of trouble and give you a chance of scoring.

“That’s a good player to have in your team.”