MICHAEL Appleton has good news for anyone impressed by their derby display – Oxford United are nowhere near top gear yet.

After a stuttering start to the campaign, the U’s have climbed into the top half of the Sky Bet League One table with three successive home wins.

The 2-0 victory against Swindon Town was their best performance of the campaign.

But Appleton believes it could be several weeks before his newly-assembled side fulfil their potential.

The United head coach said: “I think we’ve shown massive glimpses of it, but I still think there’s a lot more to come.

“There’s no doubt about it, we’re getting there. I’m starting to see things I want to see.

“I still don’t believe until we get to the 15-20-game mark, we’ll have a real rhythm about the team.

“But I thought the performance against Swindon was very good.”

One big step forward in recent weeks has been United’s tactical flexibility.

The addition of Marvin Johnson has given them much-needed pace in wide areas, while Ryan Ledson, who made his debut as a late substitute on Saturday, provides an option as a holding midfielder.

But the latter has yet to establish himself due to the form of Joe Rothwell, who has thrived in the middle of the park as part of a 4-2-3-1 system.

Appleton said: “Joe’s taken an opportunity to play and grow in the team.

“He has to do that because Ryan Ledson and Josh Ruffels are ready to take his place if he’s not prepared to do it.

“We know we can go and play 4-4-2 at any moment because of the players we’ve got on the bench.

“I still think the lads who have come in are still getting to know our style, but they are getting a better idea of it.

“All I said to the players was have a bit of humility.

“If you’re in the team then fantastic, but if you’re not then be respectful and supportive.”

Following Saturday’s sell-out at the Kassam Stadium, United will again be backed in large numbers this weekend.

Ticket sales for the visit to MK Dons on Saturday have passed the 2,500-mark.

The development team have a friendly away to Cheltenham Town today, giving the likes of Aaron Martin, Ledson and Dan Crowley the chance to gain match fitness.