Oxford United have received a big boost ahead of Sunday’s home game against Burton Albion with key midfielder Paul McLaren shaking off a groin injury.

The problem caused McLaren to come off after just 61 minutes in United’s 2-1 win over Crewe last Saturday.

Assistant manager Mickey Lewis said: “From last weekend, Paul McLaren had a bit of a groin problem, but that’s cleared up.

“So we’ve got everybody fit and available, which is great news.”

Being at full strength can only help the U’s, who need to win most of their remaining eight matches to be in with a chance of reaching the npower League Two play-offs.

Burton are third from bottom, so would appear to be in serious danger of dropping out of the Football League after just two seasons in it.

However, they have four games in hand over Barnet, just below them, and Lewis feels they are in a false position.

“They’re a good footballing team and have some good players,” he said.

“I think it was a really even game when we played there at the start of the season, and very competitive.

“They’re in a false position because they lost some games with their FA Cup run and it can be very hard when you’re trying to catch up with fixtures.

“I know Chris (Wilder) saw them this week and felt they were unfortunate to lose to Stevenage, so it will be a hard game for us, especially as, with the position they’re in, they are going to be fighting for their lives.”

The game has been moved to Sunday to avoid clashing with tomorrow’s Euro 2012 qualifying tie between Wales and England in Cardiff.

Burton will be without John McGrath, who is suspended for picking up his tenth booking of the season against Stevenage on Tuesday.

However, Brewers boss Paul Peschisolido signed Leicester defender Tom Parkes before the loan transfer deadline window.

The 6ft 2in centre back was with Burton for the second half of last season, and joins for a second loan spell.

But there was no further movement at Oxford United, either with players coming in or going out.