MATTY Taylor says he would happily take stick from fans of his former club Bristol Rovers ahead of tonight’s game – if supporters were allowed in the stands.

The striker played for Rovers for two and a half years, before leaving for rivals Bristol City on deadline day in January 2017.

Taylor’s first game back at the Memorial Stadium in August 2019 was with the U’s – a game which saw Karl Robinson’s side receive a police escort to the ground due to the circumstances surrounding Taylor’s return to the club.

The game was a disappointment for United’s No 9 after he missed an early chance, was booked for a clash with Rovers defender Alfie Kilgour, and then his afternoon came to a premature conclusion on 33 minutes when he left the field with a groin injury.

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“It was a hostile environment, which I expected,” said Taylor.

“It was the first time I’d played there in three years.

“I’m sure it’ll be similar when everyone’s back in the stadiums.”

Taylor had a much more joyful game against Rovers in January when he netted twice as United claimed all three points in a 2-0 victory.

“I was delighted to score against them, but you have that extra incentive when you’re playing against previous clubs,” he said.

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“I was determined to score against Oxford when I played them, same with Rovers.

“You want the fans in, that’s part of it.

“I probably wouldn’t have the nicest things shouted at me, but I’ve been called a lot worse over my career and you just get used to it.

“You want to see them in there and it’s part of the reason you play.

“It fuels my fire, if I’m getting heckled for 89 minutes and I poke one in in the last minute that’s my job done and they’re not going to have a nice weekend.”

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The U’s have only played in front of a home crowd three times, all in December, after the cancellation of last season’s Sky Bet League One.

Small crowds were able to watch the 1-1 draw with Hull City in the league and the penalty shoot-out win over Forest Green Rovers in the Papa John’s Trophy, before the 4-0 thrashing of Northampton.

Taylor said he couldn’t wait for supporters to be back inside grounds.

“The sooner fans are back in the stadiums and normal football resumes, the better,” he said.

“We’re just going to continue what we’re doing at the minute and hopefully we get back into it.”