SEAN Rigg is looking forward to sampling the unique atmosphere of Boxing Day fixtures when Oxford United visit Exeter City on Wednesday.

The games traditionally attract above average crowds and the mood inside grounds is different to a routine league fixture.

Rigg enjoys playing in games over the festive period and the ex-Port Vale man is convinced that there will be decent backing from the away end at St James Park.

He said: “I think you can feel it’s not the same, people are a lot happier maybe at that time of the year.

“It does seem to help with the atmosphere.

“Hopefully we’ll take a few down with us and they’ll make some noise.”

While most people see more of their loved ones over Christmas, the hectic football schedule means players are often away over the holidays.

Rigg said: “You want to be with your family, but you’ve got to do things right and you do get used to it after being a professional for a few years.

“It becomes part of the job and you don’t think about it too much.

“You just try to spend as much time with the family as you can when you get the chance.”