TYRONE Barnett thanked Ryan Clarke for playing an important role in his equaliser for Oxford United at Whaddon Road.

The goalkeeper was not directly involved in the move which led to Barnett cancelling out Byron Harrison’s opener in the 1-1 draw at Cheltenham Town.

But a word of advice from Clarke at the break proved key for the striker, who had been denied by in-form Robins keeper Trevor Carson with a similar chance in the first half.

Latest United news:

Barnett said: “Just before we came out for the second half Clarkey said that their keeper jumps and spreads himself when he’s one-on-one, so that was useful information.

“I’m not sure if he knows him as a player or he’s seen videos, but it paid off. I had that thought in my head and he did exactly what Clarkey said he would.”

It was Barnett’s first start for four weeks and came about due to an injury to James Roberts, who has been keeping him out of the side.

The striker was pleased to make a contribution, with what was his third goal in 12 appearances since joining on loan from Peterborough.

“It would have been nice to win coming back in, but obviously to score from a selfish point of view has boosted my confidence,” he said.

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.