SIX months on from his last competitive appearance for Oxford United, a fit-again Andy Whing is on a mission to show he can be more than just a warrior.

A lot has happened since the 2-0 win at Plymouth Argyle in April, when Whing was a late substitute for what turned out to be Gary Waddock’s only victory.

While the midfielder was recovering from groin surgery, changes at boardroom level saw Michael Appleton installed as head coach.

He brought a clear philosophy, which called for a stylish, possession-based brand of football.

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It is a system which on first glance risks Whing, whose popularity at United is based around more rudimental attributes, becoming an endangered species.

But if the 30-year-old features at Cambridge United tomorrow, he is keen to show he is in the team for his brains as much as his brawn.

“It’s not just about ‘put Whingy in there, he’ll head it and kick it’,” he said.

“Hopefully, I can move on and show I’m a good footballer as well.

“The gaffer said to me the other day he thought this system was perfect for me with two sitting midfielders and playing out from the back.

“Even that gave me a bit of confidence for him to say that.

“I know I can play – if you asked the coaching staff here they think I’m a good footballer as well as an enforcer-type.

“I’m not going to go away from that because I enjoy defending, tackling, heading, all that side of the game, but I want to kick-on and play that other side of the game as well.”

Whing’s first run-out came last month in a low-key development game against Southend United.

Even before the game kicked off, it was clear he had returned leaner than before.

Whing said: “I’m sick of hearing that ‘he’s not mobile enough’.

“Even when I wasn’t fit last year I still thought I was getting round the pitch.

“In the back of my mind I’ve always thought I don’t want to use anything as an excuse anymore.

“I just want to get up and down the pitch, I want to do my job right and my fitness levels have got to be right up there to get into this team.”

Staying fit is the next challenge, with a succession of groin injuries limiting Whing to 44 appearances in the last two seasons, fewer than in his first year at United.

This summer’s operation was the fourth time he had gone under the knife in nine months.

Whing has welcomed the way Appleton took the pressure off his recovery, making it clear he would be allowed as long to recover as it takes.

From the player’s point of view, there is a huge determination to do all he can to avoid another setback.

He said: “I’m doing everything I possibly can now to make sure that I’m as fit as possible.

“I’m definitely going to have to manage it in the gym before training and probably after it, extra things to make sure I’ve got no excuses.

“The medical staff have been great, thanks to their help I’m on the pitch.”

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