Michael Blackwood (pictured) is being urged to produce more going forward if he features for United against Burton Albion today.

The left winger's place is under threat after some solid, rather than spectacular, performances since he arrived on loan from Kidderminster.

And it's because he has only once set the world alight with his attacking play that for many fans the jury is still out on the 28-year-old.

United manager Darren Patterson believes there's much more to come from the former Aston Villa trainee.

"As a team player Michael is excellent and has definitely improved us with his workrate with, and especially without, the ball.

"Going forward I think there's a lot more in him. You see a couple of runs now and then, but we're looking for a lot more consistency.

"He has got an excellent cross on him, but we don't see it enough.

"The lad's got a superb attitude, but perhaps he's more of a team player than an individual right now.

"We want him as a team player without the ball, but as an individual more with the ball, more expansive and more explosive because he's definitely got it in his locker.

"Whether it's because he's been playing a lot at left back at Kiddy before he came, I don't know, but it's something we've talked about and something we've worked on."

Blackwood is not totally sure of his starting place today with Patterson saying that Danny Rose will be involved in some capacity, whether that's on the bench or from the off.

Another selection poser for the manager is who to pick up front, and that may depend on the fitness of Matt Green, who might struggle to play twice in four days following tendinitis in a knee.

Left back Michael Howard is rated 50-50 after injuring his back against Cambridge.

Patterson watched Burton's 2-0 win at Droylsden in the Setanta Shield on Thursday.

David Farrell, who scored the second goal, may feature.

"They're a good passing side who are doing well in the league, so it will be a tough test," Patterson said. "But we're delighted we've got the game so quick after Tuesday night when we were disappointed by the result after playing so well."

He insists his players have a great deal to play for.

"One, they're playing for Oxford United. Two, I won't let anybody drop any standards here. And three, the majority of them are playing for their careers. They're on short-term deals so there's plenty to play for."

Oxford Utd: (from) Turley, Day, Quinn, Foster, Howard, Anaclet, Hand, Murray, Blackwood, Richards, McAllister, Rose, Green, Trainer, Clarke, Hutchinson, Semple, Odubade.

Burton Albion: (from) Deeney, Brayford, Greaves, James, Hurst, McGrath, Simpson, Gilroy, Corbett, Harrad, Clare, Farrell, Edwards, Holmes, Austin, Tomlinson, Liversage.

  • ALEX Fisher, United's 17-year-old striker, has gone on loan to Brackley Town and will make his debut for David Oldfield's side at home to Bromsgrove Rovers today