Oxford United’s new midfielder, Paul McLaren, says it’s no surprise to him that the club are climbing the npower League Two table.

The U’s have won three games out of three since the former Tranmere player came into the team.

And the 34-year-old ex-Sheffield Wednesday and Luton man gave an impressive performance on his home debut on Saturday, when United beat Bradford 2-1 to move into ninth place.

It’s all a far cry from two and a half weeks ago when McLaren had to sit out the home defeat against Southend, having just signed, because of a registration technicality.

That, though, has been Oxford’s only reverse in the last seven games.

“I could see it in training that we’ve got good players here,” said ‘Macca’ following the win over Bradford, another of his former clubs.

“You get those games when you play poorly at home and the opposition comes and does a job on you.

“It’s how you cope with it, and I could see in training that we’re a better side than we showed against Southend.

“Against Bradford, I thought we were by far and away the better side. We played really well, showed a lot of resilience, and created a host of chances. It was a pleasure to be out there.

“We’re on a good roll and confidence is high at the moment. I’m just enjoying playing and winning games of football.”

THE U’s have sold out of their allocation of more than 1,600 tickets for the League Two game at Northampton Town this Saturday.

There are no further tickets available and supporters have been told not to travel without a match ticket.

Meanwhile, Northampton are expected to sign Crewe striker Calvin Zola this week.

OXFORD United have named a strong squad for the rearranged friendly, which officially opens Thame United’s new ASM Stadium at Tythrop Way tonight (7.30).

Oxford Utd: Eastwood, Purkiss, Kinniburgh, Payne, Gaughan, Sangare, Green, Heslop, Woodley, Deering, Midson.