ALEX Gorrin believes Oxford United are in a great position to attack the second half of the season.

The U’s are preparing for their first outing in 11 days tomorrow, when struggling Bristol Rovers visit the Kassam Stadium.

It begins a jam-packed last 15 weeks of the campaign for United, who still have 26 Sky Bet League One games and up to three in the Papa John’s Trophy remaining.

Karl Robinson’s side have found form after a slow start and go into tomorrow’s match 14th in the table and nine matches unbeaten in all competitions.

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With nine players joining since the summer, Gorrin feels it is only natural the U’s needed time to gel.

Now United have built up some momentum, but the Spanish midfielder hopes it is just the start.

He said: “It took a bit of time, because you need to play together and get to know each other.

“We’re finally there and when you start winning games the confidence comes.

“We have a very competitive team, as we did last year.

“We’ve got quality wide and up front and a great goalscorer in Matty (Taylor).

“There were a lot of new faces, but I feel like we’re in a good place now.

“To achieve what we want, we need to keep going.”

United have had the same number of postponements as games since the 4-0 victory over Northampton Town on December 15, having played just four matches in 38 days.

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The U’s have made their rare run-outs count, though, winning each one to ensure they have only fallen two places since their last league outing – the 5-1 thrashing of Burton Albion on January 2.

That game saw Cameron Brannagan and Sam Winnall both return from injury, meaning John Mousinho, recovering from knee surgery, is United’s only absentee for the Rovers visit.

While the U’s are yet to make a signing in the January transfer window, Gorrin feels being able to call on Brannagan in particular will be a huge boost during a tough period.

The 27-year-old said: “He’s one of the best midfielders in the league.

“He’s like one of our signings for the next part of the season.”

Rovers are 19th in the table and one point above the relegation zone, but Gorrin expects a tough afternoon.

He said: “Every game in this league is very hard, so we need to be on it and keep picking up points.”