Andy Whing says the players are desperate to get a victory when Oxford United host Dagenham & Redbridge in tonight’s League Two clash at the Kassam Stadium.

United haven’t played since they returned from Burton Albion with a 1-1 draw on January 29.

And Whing says victory is vital following the 1-0 loss against Crewe and the 2-2 draw with Hereford in the U’s last two home games.

“It’s another tough game for us. It’s massive,” said Whing, who is likely to replace the suspended Damian Batt at right back.

New signings Scott Rendell, Mark Wilson and Mehdi Kerrouche are added to a squad missing the injured Alfie Potter (ankle), Tom Craddock and Jon-Paul Pittman (both hamstring injuries).

Rendell, Kerrouche, Oli Johnson and James Constable are likely to battle it out for a place upfront.

“We should have had more wins, so we’re desperate to get the three points.

“In both games, we have had enough chances to win three or four games let alone those two.

“We’re disappointed with those games, but we’ll take the positives and hopefully we can get the rub of the green and the ball goes into the net.”

Although John Still’s side are one place above the relegation line, the former Orient defender feels Dagenham are better than their league position suggests.

“I’m a bit surprised they are in the lower reaches of the league,” he added.

“I played against them in League One last year (for Orient) and they are always a tough team to play against.

“We’re under no illusion about how good they are, so we will have to be at the top of our game to get anything.

“He (Still) has been fantastic for them and they are always a tough nut to crack.

“We’ve got to concentrate on how we play. What happens in both penalty boxes will be crucial tomorrow.

“Hopefully, the new lads that have come in will give us an extra spark up front.”

Whing added: “We’re all very much looking forward to playing again.

“It’s been a frustrating couple of weeks, because you get into a rhythm with games.

“We’ve been training at Oxford Academy and the 3G at Oxford City, which are fantastic, but it’s just not the same as playing on grass.

“We’re now looking to continue where we left off.”

Dagenham could give a debut to midfielder Matthew Saunders, their free transfer signing from Fulham.

Oxford Utd: from Clarke, Whing, Duberry, Wright, Davis, Heslop, A Hall, Leven, Johnson, Con-stable, Rendell, Wilson, Kerouche, McLaren, Tonkin, Worley, Brown.

Dagenham: from Lewington, Ogogo, Doe, Arber, Ilesanmi, Spillane, Abdulla, Bingham, Woodall, Nurse, Rose, Scott, Green, Hogan, Cunnington, Saunders.