Ajose: I’m home and raring for the big one

IF THREE is a magic number, then today’s clash with rivals Oxford United looks set to be one to remember for Swindon Town’s new recruit Nicky Ajose.

Ajose could make his third debut for the Robins after rejoining the club on loan until the end of the season from fellow League One side Charlton Athletic on deadline day.

The striker’s first spell at the County Ground was a loan stint from Peterborough in 2013, before he joined permanently two years later following a difficult time at Leeds.

After banging in 24 goals for Swindon last term, the 25-year-old moved to Charlton in the summer.

Now, after falling out of favour under new manager Karl Robinson, he is back at his spiritual home and raring to go – starting at home to Oxford today.

“I’m delighted to be back home. It was a simple decision to come back,” explained Ajose.

“I’ve got great memories of my two previous spells here and I didn’t envisage coming back so quickly, but I just want to show people what I can do again. It’s a big game against Oxford and it’s going to be a full house, so it will be perfect. I was disappointed not to have made the Bristol Rovers game, but this isn’t a bad third debut – if I play!”

Ajose’s goals will be crucial if Swindon are to propel themselves away from relegation trouble, but Oxford brought in their own loan forward on deadline day, in the form of Conor McAleny.

McAleny joined the U’s from Everton until the end of the campaign. It will be a sixth temporary spell away from Goodison Park with Scunthorpe, Brentford, Cardiff, Charlton and Wigan his previous stops.

Boss Michael Appleton is confident the 24-year-old can hit the ground running.

“Conor’s not played as many games as he should have for the quality he’s got and his age, but he’s got bags of talent, an eye for a goal and he can pick a pass,” said Appleton.

“He’s got that versatility, as a few of the players have, of playing on the left or right, but I’m sure his favourite is just off the striker.”