Oxford City boss Mike Ford has applauded the positive attitude of Andy Gunn.

The defender, who left City two seasons ago, rejoined the Marsh Lane outfit in the summer after a successful trial.

He was left out of the side against Histon, but was back in the line-up last weekend as City returned from the long trip to Workington with a 2-1 win under their belts.

And Ford said Gunn had been instrumental in the win.

“I left him out against Histon for a reason, because we wanted to give Adam Learoyd (also a defender) who had come back from injury 90 minutes,” said Ford.

“He phoned me last week to ask why I left him out and to be fair to him he was outstanding on Saturday.

“It just goes back to the character of the lad. He has stuck to the task well.

“So full credit to him. “If you speak to him I think he would say he was wrong to leave the club in the first place.”

The victory at Workington saw City move up to seventh in the table, four points off the play-offs and Ford has not discounted a late-season surge.

“We are in a position where we can be safe (from relegation) very quickly and if we do it properly we can have a little eye on the play-offs.

“I want the players to physically get over that line and then have a good final third of the season.”

Ford was also delighted with striker Ashan Holgate, who keeps his place in the side for tomorrow’s home game with Gloucester City in Blue Square Bet North.

“I think enough has been spoken about Ashan. He had 90 minutes against Histon and Workington and got his goal.

“With Steve Basham out injured (calf problem), he’s got to do that every week.

“Felipe (Barcelos) is in the team because he has done well and Ashan stays in the team for the same reason.”

City are also without Liam Malone (ankle injury), while Chris Willmott could miss out if an X-ray on the rib he injured against Workington confirms a crack.

Oxford City: from Ingram, Gunn, Stonehouse, Ballard, Learoyd, Willmott, Bell, Pond, Holgate, Barcelos, Mulvany, Cook, McNish, Stanley, Glass.