Oxford United boss Ian Atkins is demanding more from wingback Scott McNiven.

And he is giving strong hints that he may soon change his top-of-the-table side unless the former Oldham defender gets back to the form he produced earlier in the season by showing more for the ball attacking down the right.

"I want more from Scott going forward, and that was my one disappointment on Tuesday night at Swansea," said Atkins.

"He was our outlet, but for my money, he didn't do enough."

United's manager has warned, ahead of today's Division 3 game at home to Lincoln City, that McNiven's place is in jeopardy.

"I would not disregard Chris Hackett - he's putting McNiven under pressure," Atkins added.

"I've got the option of putting Dean Whitehead at right wingback, because he'll get forward."

However, it's likely that Atkins will stick to the side that earned a 0-0 draw at the Vetch Field, a result that stretched their undefeated league run to 16 games.

Another player getting ever closer to ousting one of the regular starters is Danny Brown.

"He's been outstanding in training. At times, his quality is fantastic," said Atkins.

The U's boss was preparing to cast his eye over new loan signing Richie Foran and Jefferson Louis in training before deciding on his selection alongside Steve Basham in attack.

However, his comment that "I've not brought Foran in to do nothing" suggests the Carlisle Two points clear at the top, Oxford will take another big step towards automatic promotion if they can maintain their outstanding home form.

Their Kassam Stadium record of 10-2-0 this season is the best in England.

United's biggest danger is complacency, and it will not be easy against the Red Imps, who lost just two of their first 21 games.

Lincoln's danger man is a former Orient striker, Gary Fletcher, who has hit 11 goals in 23 matches.

They have two big doubts - Richard Butcher (dead leg) and Richard Liburd (ankle). Butcher will take over from Ben Sedgemore in midfield if he passes a fitness test.

Lincoln are under the stewardship of caretaker manager Gary Simpson while boss Keith Alexander continues his recovery from surgery following a blood clot on the brain.

United's rivals all have winnable games.

Second-placed Hull visit lowly Darlington, while Doncaster, in third, are at home to Leyton Orient. Fourth-placed Mansfield are also at home, against Kidderminster.

Oxford Utd: (from) Woodman, McNiven, McCarthy, Crosby, Bound, Robinson, Whitehead, Wanless, Hunt, Foran, Basham, Louis, Rawle, Ashton, Hackett, Steele, Brown.

Lincoln City: (from) Marriott, Weaver, Morgan, Futcher, Bailey, Butcher, Gain, Mayo, Fletcher, Richardson, Green, McNamara, Yeo, Cropper, Willis, Bloomer, Pearce, Liburd.