Oxford United head for Gillingham on Saturday looking to build on two encouraging performances.
A first away win of the season, at Blackpool, was followed by United’s first ‘back to back’ win last Saturday against Scunthorpe, with Head Coach Karl Robinson demanding that his team continue to move forward at Priestfield.
“Those were things we hadn’t achieved - two things you look to achieve at the start of the season- so it’s a bit late in coming but we take nothing for granted and we know we have to play to the best of our abilities once again.
"We are looking for a level of consistency in our performances and a resilience as well as an excitement in our game that actually hurts the opposition. But equally we know we are up against a good Gillingham side at a difficult place to go and play. Hopefully we go and build on last week.”
United had a few players struggliong with illness earlier in the week but Karl reports a full bill of health ahead of the weekend, and with Cameron Brannagan available again after suspension knows that he faces some tricky selection questions.
“A few colds and knocks are part and parcel for most clubs at this time of year. There were a few ill at the start of the week but everyone was back in today and fine to train so that’s a positive. Cameron Brannagan is available so we will sit down and make a decision on that when we need to. A lot of people will be looking to impress in training over the next couple of days, and that’s exactly how you want it to be.
“I want the edge in training and for it to be intense: aggressive but not stupid. We’re not at a level yet where we can turn it on in matches then turn it back off in training in the week. We have to have that intensity at all times, in training and in matches ,and will certainly need it this weekend.”
See the full interview plus the thoughts of Cameron Brannagan and John Mousinho, all in iFollow right now.