STEVE Basham, Lee Bradbury and Leo Roget have been singled out as three stunning success stories of the past few weeks by Oxford United boss Brian Talbot.

The trio have given the perfect response, Talbot believes, to the demands that have been put upon them.

And each has played a massive part in United picking up 13 points out of the last 15 available, in a seven-game unbeaten run which has lifted them to sixth in Coca-Cola League Two - just four points off top place.

Basham scored a superb winner in Friday night's 1-0 victory over Carlisle United which capped his return to form, and he is thriving in the extra space he gets in the new 4-3-3 system Talbot has been using.

Bradbury is demonstrating, as he often did last season, that he can link play well in midfield - the best option for him because he lacks the blistering pace and doesn't get enough goals to play up front.

And Roget has bounced back brilliantly after he was out of the side and looking like he was on his way out of the Kassam Stadium in the first few weeks of the season.

Talbot said: "Basham started the season - he and Bradbury wanted to start up front as a pair but, let's be honest, we didn't start well. They didn't look sharp, and we didn't score goals.

"We've moved Bradbury back to midfield where he's looked a much better player, and a solid player, and Basham has come back into the team, and played in a three-pronged attack and he's done excellent.

"He looks the Basham we know and that's what I want from Stevie Basham.

"So all credit to both players. Bradbury's moved back 25 yards into midfield, and Basham's come back into the team and produced the goods.

"That's what I want - players responding to situations here.

"I've got to give a lot of credit too to Leo Roget.

"He was a free transfer, was not at the front of my plans, he's come back, staked his claim by working hard in training, and said 'boss, if you want me I'll play, I'll show you I should be in the team'. That's the attitude I want.

"I told him he had to pull his socks up and was honest with him and said I expected better. And he responded superbly, he didn't sulk.

"Lee Mansell is another, he plays anywhere you want him. So credit to all the players.

"They're working really, really hard and if they keep doing that, there's no reason why we can't be successful."