Andrew Whing says that he knows Oxford United have that killer instinct – but now they need to show it.

The defensive midfielder admitted that the manner of Saturday’s defeat at Rotherham came as a bit of a shock to the U’s squad.

But the former Leyton Orient man says he has seen enough quality in the United squad to suggest things will be fine long-term.

And he believes that with matches at the Kassam Stadium against Cardiff in the Carling Cup tomorrow and league games against Bradford and Shrewsbury next up, there is no better time to show it than in front of your own supporters.

“We proved in pre-season that we can do it,” Whing said.

“We’ve got to bounce back now and have three home games in a row to put things right.

“We didn’t play badly on Saturday, but we were lacking that final bit of quality in the final third of the pitch.

“It was slightly surprising as we’d been right on the ball in that area pre-season.

“It was a very disappointing way to start the season and the lads were obviously down because we didn’t perform as well as we know we can.”

Whing was deployed in a holding midfield position on Saturday and admits he is relishing his role.

“I’m thoroughly enjoying it,” he admitted.

“I have got two great lads just behind me (central defenders Jake Wright and Michael Duberry) who are always talking and it’s great.

“But we all want to win games, so hopefully we can put Saturday behind us.”