MICHAEL Appleton believes Oxford United are on course to claim automatic promotion this season.

The former U’s boss got a warm reception on his first time back managing at the Kassam Stadium since his three-year spell in charge ended in 2017.

And he was happy with the way visitors Lincoln City worried the hosts, if frustrated to take nothing from the game in a 1-0 defeat.

Appleton said: “The pleasing thing for me is we’ve come up against a really good Oxford side who I do believe will finish in the top two this year and we almost matched them.

“We were maybe even better than them at times in that second half.”

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He added: “I just look at the bench and the squad. I’m almost jealous in a way.

“We’re just a work in progress.”

The match-winner on the day was Shandon Baptiste, who was a promising youth team player during Appleton’s time at the club.

His development had been stalled by a shoulder injury, but Appleton was thrilled to see the midfielder’s progress.

He said: “I suppose what he has done massively is improved technically.

“In terms of out of possession he always had that tenacity, athleticism and strength.

“That was the reason the club gave him a deal to prove himself and get through that shoulder injury.

“I’m absolutely delighted he’s done as well as he has.”