ROB Dickie is due to keep the Oxford United captain’s armband for the rest of the season.

The centre back has taken on the role in recent games with regular skipper John Mousinho out injured.

Jamie Mackie has typically deputised, but the forward did not start a league game last month.

Dickie was partly chosen because he is only one booking away from a two-game ban.

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Karl Robinson believes captains have greater leeway when it comes to officials, but the U’s boss has been impressed with the way the defender has taken on the position.

He said: “I think captains get away with one or two things.

“You very rarely see a captain getting the first one, because they are the ones the referees go to speak to.

“He’s a great talker and I’m really pleased he’s taken the armband.

“I see him holding it for the rest of the season. He’s grown, he really has.”

Dickie has stayed out of trouble since leading the team, who have won four straight games in the process.

But he still needs three clean matches before the cut-off for ten bookings is reached.

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Mousinho is making good progress in his recovery from a knee injury and is due back later this month.

He will remain club captain, but Robinson does not think he would have a problem with Dickie holding on to the armband.

The United head coach said: “We’ve used the captaincy for the right reasons at the right times.

“It’s a tremendous honour, whoever you are, to captain any club.

“When you look at the people who have worn it at this club over the last 30 years you’re in very good company.

“We just hope Rob appreciates the opportunity he’s been given in the short term.

“I’m sure for a young man of 23 to be leading his team out is something he’ll remember for the rest of his life.

“Mous and Jamie aren’t egotistical men where they need it to talk.

“They are leaders without it.”