DAN Agyei is savouring the chance to play a part in Oxford United’s promotion push.

The striker has seen his opportunities in the first team increase since the turn of the year and made it count last weekend, with a dipping equaliser at Shrewsbury Town.

But the 22-year-old again showed another side to his game in Shropshire, keeping the ball in the corner in stoppage time to see the game out – as he also did in the win at Ipswich Town.

It helped seal a 3-2 victory that lifted the U’s to third in Sky Bet League One ahead of Saturday’s clash at home to Milton Keynes Dons.

Agyei knows more telling contributions in the final nine games of the season will be invaluable personally – and could prove crucial for United.

He said: “I’m relishing being in a promotion chase.

“We’ve got nine more cup finals and we’re just taking every game as it comes.

“I’m going to do my best to help any way I can and I’m really excited.

“It’s going to help my development mentally, like trying to keep my head when time-wasting at the end.

“This season’s going to stand me in good stead.”

Agyei’s strike on Saturday kept up a remarkable record from the bench.

His goals for United – at Southend United, Burton Albion and Shrewsbury – have come a combined four minutes after entering the action as a substitute.

He has needed to make the most of those opportunities, with his one league start coming in last month’s 1-0 home defeat to Sunderland, when he was replaced on the hour.

Agyei’s record of three strikes in 22 U’s appearances is tempered by the fact he has played just 256 minutes of league football across the campaign.

And a series of promising displays have increased the clamour among United fans for the youngster to be more involved.

He said: “It’s always going to be massive when people say stuff like that.

“I believe in myself and I’ve got a lot of confidence.

“Whenever I start or come on as a substitute, I know I need to make an impact.”