ELLIOTT Moore was not surprised by Oxford United’s form during his time on the sidelines.

The centre back missed the U’s last three matches with a chest infection, but has trained this week and is in contention to face Bolton Wanderers tomorrow.

United have lost several defensive players to injury and illness early in the season, but beat Burton Albion on penalties in the Carabao Cup and won back-to-back Sky Bet League One games.

“It’s probably the strongest squad I’ve been involved in at Oxford,” Moore said.

“Like we showed on Tuesday (against Crewe), with our strength in depth it doesn’t matter who plays where.

“The standard never drops and if we keep that up I’m sure it’ll stand us in good stead for the season.”

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In Moore’s absence, Luke McNally played his first United games alongside Jordan Thorniley – who has been at the club less than three weeks.

The 24-year-old said: “Jord’s settled really well, he’ll be really important to us.

“Luke’s stepped up and he’s been brilliant as well.

“When Mous (John Mousinho) comes on he’s a massive influence on and off the pitch.

“It’ll be massively important for the amount of games we’ve got this season.”