Oxford United's new midfielder, Michael Standing, says he has a massive point to prove this season.

As the U's prepare for tomorrow's opening Blue Square Premier fixture at home to Forest Green Rovers, former Brighton, Aston Villa and Walsall player Standing appears one of only half a dozen who seem certain of their starting places.

He is the team's most creative central midfielder and will be the one, along with left wingback Alex Jeannin, who seems best equipped to lay on the chances for United's strikers.

"I've got a massive point to prove," said the player, who this week signed on non-contract terms.

"The last couple of years things have gone terribly.

"The season before last I re-signed for Walsall - I could have left and gone to a couple of Championship clubs, but I stayed there to try to get them promotion.

"I was captain and I thought everything would be good, but I virtually missed the whole season through injury.

"They went down, I asked to leave, had things sorted and nothing happened, and hardly kicked a ball last season.

"I've just turned 26 so I've got a massive point to prove.

"I've got to play some football matches, I've played nowhere near enough games.

"That's my main aim this season, to get games under my belt, and start showing people what I can do.

"There's nothing like playing games for getting fit and gaining confidence and I've had that this pre-season.

"I've felt fit and strong and I feel I'm getting somewhere I like to be. Obviously now I've got to kick on and take it into the season."

Standing hopes his performances will earn a longer deal.

"Signing on non-contract forms just gives the manager a breather, and me a breather, before we sit down and decide what we want to do more long-term," he said.

"I just wanted to be available so that I can play."

Standing and his teammates face Rovers with morale high after Monday's 1-0 win over a decent Birmingham City side.

"Pre-season's gone very well," he said. "I think all the lads have got fitness out of it and look strong.

"In a lot of games we've over-run teams in the second half, which is a good sign, but at the end of the day, it's only pre-season, you can't read too much into it.

"The real work starts Saturday," he said.

"It's no good beating Birmingham if we don't beat Forest Green."

Manager Jim Smith was still undecided yesterday what striking partnership would be most effective.

And although new team captain Barry Quinn is certain to play, there is strong competition for the centre back positions either side of him.