JAMIE Mackie never comes across as someone who struggles to find motivation, but Oxford Uniteds bright start to the season has given the veteran a powerful drive to succeed.

The forward is expected to replace the suspended Matty Taylor when Rochdale visit tomorrow.

Expectations are high for the Us to extend their unbeaten run into double figures, which has helped move Karl Robinsons team into the Sky Bet League One play-off positions.

Now in his 17th campaign as a professional, Mackie has been around long enough to know nothing has been achieved yet.

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But his experience also tells him that positions like Uniteds need to be cherished, because they do not come around too often.

And having turned 34 last month, he is well aware this could represent a final shot at success.

That is my motivation, being totally honest, he said.

I definitely feel I can play next season as well and if thats on the back of a promotion and theres an opportunity to play in the Championship again it would be unbelievable.

I want to achieve something with however long Ive got left.

You never know in football, Ive had a long career and Ive loved it, but to try to earn success at the back end of my career would be a dream and its something Im striving every day to do.

Thats why Ive got so much hunger to succeed.

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Im delighted Ive got a platform here and a team thats got the potential to do something special this year.

Robinsons sideis centred around dynamic, young players who are developing rapidly and have bright futures in the game.

But the outfield crop are supplemented by a trio of over 30s, whose experience is helping to guide those at the other end of their careers.

Robinson treats Mackie, skipper John Mousinho and top scorer James Henry differently to the rest, but the approach appears to be working.

The gaffers brilliant with us senior players, Mackie said.

He knows that sometimes during the week we cant give the same output, but were important on a weekend.

You wouldnt want a squad full of senior players and at the same time you cant just have kids.

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The blend seems good at the moment and we like taking on the responsibility, along with Mous who is a great club captain to have.

We take so much energy from the younger players in the squad, who are thriving at the minute, so its great to be around.

Mackie has a reputation for being a joker, but that stops when the side cross the white line.

He said: Its not like I come in and Im a really serious character, but when it comes to football Im extremely serious and train hard.

Its nothing radical that the senior players do.

You might have a bit more experience than others, so they may lean on you a bit.

We can be more of a bridge between the players and the manager.

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Jamie Mackie motivated to maximise chance of success with Oxford United - Oxford Mail