A 5-1 win away from home is always a great result but the icing on the cake for Oxford United came when Cameron Brannagan made his return to first team action on Saturday.
The hugely influential midfielder made a cameo appearance as a substitute at the Pirelli Stadium, his first game since an eye inflammation ruled him out in October.
“I was made up to get on the pitch” he told us today. “The only frustrating thing was that it wasn't for longer! I couldn’t believe it when the ref blew the final whistle, the time just flew past and I was hoping to get a goal to really celebrate playing again.”
The big positive from Cameron’s appearance was that he was able to do so with no further reaction at all:
“No, I’m pleased to say I felt really good. Fitness wise I have worked very hard and the medical team at Oxford have been brilliant. I feel fine and just need to get sharp in matches.
"And in terms of my vision that has all settled down again now. My eyes have adjusted and I have no problem driving, playing football, or in day to day life. It’s all feeling good and like everyone else I’m just hoping that 2021 is a lot better for all of us.
“I wasn’t on the pitch too long and the next stage is to keep getting minutes. Our next game is against Cambridge a week on Tuesday in the Papa John’s Trophy and I’m hoping to be involved again. If I can get a start then that’s great but I know there is serious competition for places and the team is doing really well at the moment so let’s just see how that goes.”
Always humble, Cameron asked us to pass on his thanks and best wishes to all the fans who sent best wishes after his reappearance in a United shirt:
“That really meant a lot to me. Obviously everyone was buzzing after the result but the fans have been amazing with me and loads of them took the time to wish me well. That was great and the only sad thing was that they weren’t behind the goal in a packed away end so I could thank them in person.
"That will happen one day, I’m sure, but until then we will just keep trying our best to keep winning games for them, wherever they are watching from.”