MICHAEL Appleton admits he is “almost jealous” of the stability tomorrow’s opponents Bury have enjoyed this season.

The Oxford United boss has overseen a testing first campaign in charge where he has rarely named a settled side.

It was a similar story last season at Bury after David Flitcroft took over.

But the Shakers, who bolstered significantly during the summer, have reaped the benefits of being on a much more even keel in this campaign.

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They are fifth in Sky Bet League Two and eyeing the automatic promotion places ahead of United’s visit tomorrow.

For Appleton, it all combines to make his side underdogs heading to Gigg Lane.

The head coach said: “I think that’s only because you’ve got to give a bit of respect to the teams that are up there.

“They’ve recruited really well, have a squad that have been really competitive for the whole of the season.

“They have a settled squad, which is important, all these things we’ve not been able to do and you’re almost jealous of the fact they’ve been able to do that.”

But with the U’s boss revealing this week the adjustments to his squad had now finished for the season, there is confidence it will breed stability over the final dozen games.

He said: “You have to deal with it and we have as best we can.

“We find ourselves in a lot more sustained, secured position in terms of the ins and outs.

“We’re in a position where we can work with these players and try to get the best out of them.”