PUTTING in the ‘boring’ gym work is beginning to pay off, admits Tariqe Fosu.

The pacy winger has been quick to make his mark at Oxford United.

He netted on the opening day of the season at Sunderland before smashing a high-quality hat-trick at Lincoln City last weekend and then notching in Wednesday’s stunning win over West Ham.

It puts the 23-year-old on more than twice as many goals as in the whole of last season.

And Fosu puts it down to changes he has made off the field.

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“I think I’ve been doing things right, trying to stay fit,” he said.

“I’ve been doing the boring things in the gym, which has helped me a lot. I’ve just got to keep pushing, doing the gym work and doing things right.

“I didn’t really like the gym, but it helps me as a player.

“I’m feeling a lot stronger and I’m listening to the physios and sports scientists. I’m benefiting from it.”

The bright start to his time at United adds more evidence to the theory Karl Robinson is the man to get the best out of him.

The U's boss tends to have a close relationship with his players, but even by his standards there is a strong bond with the winger.

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Fosu thrived under him at Charlton Athletic before fading last season after Robinson's departure.

While his talent has never been in doubt, it was felt he needed to mature before it could be truly fulfilled.

Talk of the gym work will have pleased Robinson, who has high hopes.

He said: “Tariqe’s third goal at Lincoln showed what an unbelievable technician that boy is – he’s got gold in those boots.

“I think he knows how good he can be, but I don’t truly know if he’s still quite ready for how hard he has to work to be as good as he needs to be. There’s a difference.

“He knows I love him and I’ve got his back, but you can only do that for a certain period of time until they have to stand on their own two feet.

“So far this season when he’s turned up and performed. We’re a very lucky club to have him.”

The support is appreciated, with Robinson’s all-round approach a big hit with Fosu.

He said: “He believes in me, even when things aren’t going well.

“I think he’s a great manager and a great person. He helps me a lot outside of football as well.

“He’s a good guy and I think he gets the best out of players and gives them confidence.

“I think it’s important you have a relationship with your manager. It helps when you can speak to him about personal things.”