PETER Leven has backed Marvin Johnson to be a big hit at Oxford United.

The former U’s midfielder is well-placed to assess the winger’s attributes, which he has seen first-hand.

Leven is the assistant coach at Kilmarnock, against whom Johnson scored the winner for Motherwell last month.

The Scot rates Johnson highly and think he will remind U’s fans of another wide man who moved this summer.

Leven said: “Marvin is very direct and lightning quick.

“It’s a good move, especially with playing two strikers up front.

“He’s like an experienced Callum O’Dowda.”

United’s chances of signing Johnson looked remote at one stage, with Motherwell valuing him at £1m.

Boss Mark McGhee said at one stage he would be “amazed” if their star player went to the Sky Bet League One club, a comment which surprised Leven.

He said: “ I couldn’t believe it when Mark McGhee said that.

“I felt like saying ‘you don’t realise how big Oxford are’ – look at the fanbase compared to Motherwell.”

United were helped by Chey Dunkley, who played with Johnson a Kidderminster Harriers and has remained in close contact.

The centre back played down his role, but was happy to give a positive reference.

“I was just honest and said what I thought about the club personally,” he said.

“He always wanted to progress and I just thought it would be a club where he could come and do well.

“I think he was always interested because he was calling me and asking about Oxford, so it wasn’t a one-way thing that I was always on his case.”