LUKE McNally is excited for the latest test of his breakthrough season at one of Sky Bet League One’s famous old grounds.

The centre back is set to face Portsmouth tonight (7.45pm) as Oxford United continue their promotion push at Fratton Park.

McNally’s importance to the U’s has grown in recent weeks, following Jordan Thorniley’s return to Blackpool and Elliott Moore’s ankle injury.

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It is easy to forget the 22-year-old only made his debut in August after arriving the previous January and he admits it has been a roller coaster ride.

McNally said: “It’s been mad, but I’ve loved every minute of it.

“I probably prefer the bigger games, I get more of a buzz out of them.

“I’m really looking forward to it, I know Fratton Park is meant to be a lovely stadium.

“They’re another good challenge, so we’ll see how we get on.”

McNally has played 24 times in his first season in English football, scoring twice – his most recent effort coming against tonight’s opponents to help United to a 3-2 win just 24 days ago.

He said: “Every time I’ve played I think I’ve done well.

“I’ve still got a lot of areas in my game I can get a lot better at.

“That will come with experience and time, so I’m looking forward to the next few weeks.”

McNally added: “I let my talent do what it has to do, I don’t overthink it and don’t dwell on it if I have a bad game.

“If I do well I try to keep myself grounded.

“I just let my ability play and don’t really think about it.”

McNally has become noticeably more confident in possession throughout the season, bringing the ball out of defence with more regularity.

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He had to curb that against Cambridge United on Saturday as the U’s reverted to a back four, although they still ran out 4-2 winners.

“It depends on the shape, as a back two (of centre backs) it’s a bit tougher and sometimes I don’t like leaving my other defender 1v1,” McNally said.

“When I get the chance I always take it, especially when a team presses high.

“At the weekend it wasn’t really like that, so I had to be more cautious.

“I’ve got enough good players in front of me to let them do the running.”

McNally’s performances have endeared him to United fans, who have already adopted a song for the Irish centre back.

And the defender revealed this has not gone unnoticed.

“It’s cool, I was telling my family about it and they were laughing,” he said.

“I thank the fans, they’ve been very supportive of me and hopefully we can repay them this season with a spot in the play-offs and further.”

Joining those singing McNally’s name tonight will be his Dad, who is set to be among the United supporters at Fratton Park.

The defender said: “He loves it, he’s retiring from work so his plan is probably to move in with me.

“He’ll be in the away end, in amongst it.”