MIDFIELDER Peter Fear, left out of the Oxford United team for the last two matches, has taken it on the chin and volunteered for extra training in a bid to get back his place.

Fear was former manager Malcolm Shotton's big summer signing from Premiership club Wimbledon.

But the ex-England Under 21 international has been left on the sidelines by the new caretaker-manager Mickey Lewis, and was not even among the substitutes for last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Bury.

However, Lewis says he has been impressed with the way Fear has taken it and the fact that the 26-year-old player was omitted from the reserves' team against Bristol City on Tuesday suggests he may be in line for a first-team recall for Saturday's FA Cup second-round tie at Shrewbury Town.

Fear said: "Of course I'm disappointed not to be in the team, but it's in my hands to get back in. I've no complaints because the team have been doing well without me. "Mickey explained to me why he left me out completely last Saturday. He had his reasons and I accept that. What I've got to do now is work hard, train hard and try to get back in the side.

"I came in for extra training with the kids on Wednesday just to try to get a bit more sharpness. It's taken a bit of time for me to settle in to things here, it's a little bit different than Wimbledon, but I've got no grumbles."

Meanwhile, striker Steve Anthrobus is battling against the odds in his bid to face his old club Shrewsbury.

Anthrobus, who still lives in the Shropshire town, has been sidelined since having fluid drained from his knee after the defeat by Luton inOctober.

Story date: Thursday 18 November

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