THE prospect of trips to Fratton Park and The Valley in the first week of Oxford United’s season has given Jon Meades added incentive to make a quick impact.

The U’s begin their League Two campaign with a bang, visiting title favourites Portsmouth next weekend.

Chris Wilder’s men will be backed by 2,500 travelling fans for what should be a vibrant atmosphere, while three days later they have a Capital One Cup meeting with Championship side Charlton Athletic.

Meades cannot wait and is hoping to press his claims for a place in the side if given a chance against Coventry City tomorrow.

“We couldn’t wish for a better start to the season,” he said.

“I think Portsmouth will probably be a sell-out and hopefully Oxford will bring quite a few fans.

“It’ll be a really good game to get going and obviously going to Charlton on the Tuesday is another incentive for everyone to try and get into the side.

“Everyone wants to be in the starting XI for the first game of the season, that’s what we’re all fighting for.”