Winger Chris Hackett is in line for a return to Oxford United's squad when they take on Division 3 leaders Plymouth Argyle at redeveloped Home Park tomorrow.

The youngster could even earn himself a starting place, although that will depend on the availability of others.

United's director of football, Ian Atkins, said: "Chris impressed me with his pace and did well in wide areas for the reserves at Rushden this week, and he will come into the reckoning, but I would like a bit of stability behind him."

Hackett may only get a starting chance if the U's change to 4-4-2, but it is more likely that Atkins will stick to the wingbacks system he has used in the last two games.

"We are still waiting on one or two players, such as Jon Richardson, but Sam Ricketts is 100 per cent now. Martin Thomas came through the reserves game and he will be in the squad, but my formation will be dictated to by the players I have available."

Atkins has made a point of trying to encourage the Oxford players who were disappointed by their performance in Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Torquay at The Kassam Stadium, but he has not chosen the route of constant rollicking.

"Encouragement is the name of the game," he said. "We had a chat after the match when the players were asking questions, and we all talked about what had happened. The days of massive rollickings and then silence, without proper communication, are gone.

"But I have been pleased with the response and they were very bright in training again on Thursday."

Atkins analysed United's play after studying a video of the Torquay match. He said: "Our passing was not as spot on as in the Rochdale game and our movement fell down, but we tried to do the right things and I've got to keep encouraging the players."

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