JEROME Sinclair has hinted he could be open to an Oxford United return next season.

The striker netted his third goal in his 11th appearance for the U’s in Saturday’s vital 2-1 win against Wycombe Wanderers.

It is an improvement on the 22-year-old’s previous record, which had yielded one goal in 30 league appearances.

With two years still left on his contract at Watford a permanent move would be well out of the U’s price range, but a fresh loan could be an option next term.

After enduring some difficult spells in the past, Sinclair admits a successful time at United would make him think twice.

He said: “If I can continue to score goals and the manager wants to have me here next year it’s something I’d seriously have to think about.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here, hopefully we have a strong finish to the season and we take it from there.

“I’m definitely happy.

“I’m playing regularly with a good bunch of lads, we’re winning games and I’m getting some goals as well, so hopefully we can continue that.”

United head coach Karl Robinson would be keen for a return, seeing a player who is still yet to fulfil his potential.

Much of his work with the former Liverpool striker so far has been on making sure he stays in the right areas.

It yielded a tap-in against Wycombe, but Robinson believes Sinclair could still be more single-minded.

He said: “If you wear the No 9 shirt, there’s a responsibility that comes with it.

“Don’t worry about anybody else, be selfish, be ruthless.

“If you’re in somebody’s way, he doesn’t wear the No 9 shirt like you do, so they have to play to his tune.

“He’s a really nice kid and he’s got to learn to be a bit more ruthless.”

Sinclair has contributed to a strong United run which has taken them from Sky Bet League One’s relegation zone to the top half of the table.

While they are one good result away from realistically being safe, the striker was always confident after signing on deadline day in January.

He said: “I knew there was quality in the team.

“I saw it in the first few days and we’ve managed to put a good run of results together and push ourselves up the table.

“Now it’s a case of looking forward, rather than over our shoulders.”