PAUL Powell has given new Oxford United boss Denis Smith a big boost ahead of today's crunch clash with Blackpool.

Powell had told Smith that he wasn't sure if he would be able to play because his girlfriend was expecting a child.

But she gave birth to a baby girl on Thursday, meaning that Powell is free to start the relegation battle against Steve McMahon's team.

Smith took his final training session before the crunch Division 2 clash and said that things had gone well.

"I looked at two systems and have decided on the one that you'll see this afternoon.

"I want the players to listen and learn and they've been really good coming to me and asking what they should be doing.

"All I would say to the fans is 'Come along, get right behind the team, because we really need your support."

Skipper Les Robinson came straight off the training pitch and said: "It was excellent today. No problem at all.

"Obviously Mickey (Lewis) was still involved with things, but we can't wait until the Blackpool game.

"But we really need the fans behind us from the start," he added.

Smith favours a 4-4-2 formation, but could opt for a 3-5-2 system this afternoon.

If he does, Derek Lilley would be favourite to partner recent signing Nigel Jemson up front.

Jon Shepheard would probably be the player to make way, with Peter Fear coming into the side as a holding midfielder.

Paul Tait would play wide right, with Powell on the left.

Story date: Saturday 05 February

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.