Oxford United boss Graham Rix issued a simple message ahead of tomorrow's home game with Shrewsbury: "We need to win".

The U's come back to earth after their midweek Carling Cup clash with Reading by taking on last season's promoted Conference play-off winners at the Kassam Stadium.

And after just one win from their four league games to date, and with two away fixtures at Notts County and Wycombe Wanderers coming up next week, Rix is aware of the importance of three points.

"We need to win, it's as simple as that," the U's manager said.

"But if we show what we showed against Reading we've got a chance. I felt that was the best we've been this season with the ball."

Rix was impressed with the way Steve Basham slotted in on the right side of midfield, so although loanee Jamie Hand will come in for his debut in midfield, Basham looks set to keep his place in the side.

"What we lose in respect of pace with Chrissy Hackett we gain with Bash's aerial power and his cleverness," Rix said. "I thought he did well in that position."

The good news for the U's is that Hackett does not have ligament damage, so he could even be back for the local derby at Wycombe a week today.

Hand joins from Watford on a month's loan and will come into central midfield, with the possibility of Rob Wolleaston moving to left midfield.

But there's a slight doubt over Wolleaston because he had a virus yesterday.