OXFORD United still believe they can make the Sky Bet League One play-offs, says Brandon Barker.

Defeats to Sunderland and Accrington Stanley over the Easter weekend left the 12th-placed U’s six points off the top six, with only seven matches remaining.

United visit Crewe Alexandra this afternoon (3pm), knowing only a win will realistically keep their promotion hopes alive.

Eight of the 11 teams above them have played fewer matches, but Barker, 24, insists the U’s can string a together a run that would see them threaten the play-off picture.

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The winger said: “Just because we lost those two games I don’t think we’re completely out of it.

“We’ve obviously made it more difficult for ourselves, but there’s still seven games left and other teams have tough games.

“We have to keep getting as many wins as we can and get back to the way we play.

“I feel like we’re one of the best footballing teams in the league and we need to show that.

“The best thing about football is there’s always another game to put it right.

“Against Crewe we’ll be aiming to do that.”

United have had several opportunities to break into the top six since January, but inconsistency has let them down.

Karl Robinson’s side are no longer within touching distance after five defeats in their last seven matches, but Barker remains positive.

The Rangers loanee has played 17 times since arriving in January, scoring twice, and is enjoying life at United.

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He said: “The performances have been better than what the results have reflected.

“That’s no good when you’re coming into the nitty gritty if you’re playing well but not winning games.

“That’s been frustrating and winning is the most important thing.

“I’m really enjoying myself here, it’s a fantastic place to live.

“I get on with the boys and the staff really well, it’s a great club.

“My body feels good again which is always a positive.

“It’s been good to come down and help with the push.

“It’s still not over and hopefully by the end of the season we’re in and around it.”

Alex Gorrin and Josh Ruffels are injury doubts for United, while Rob Hall is back in training.

Robinson revealed on Monday the U’s can still achieve their points target for this five-game block, despite only taking three from their three matches so far.

“You have to accept losing, that’s the way the season is,” the United head coach said.

“We’re still very clear on our objective.”