CRISTIAN Montano is set to make his debut this afternoon as Oxford United received a double boost ahead of the clash with Rotherham United.

Peter Leven is also expected to start after a shoulder injury as the U’s return to the Kassam Stadium for the first time since the derby victory against Swindon Town a fortnight ago.

Montano, pictured above, signed a one-month loan deal yesterday after receiving a recommendation from Hammers teammate Rob Hall, who enjoyed a successful spell with the club earlier this season and yesterday joined League One side MK Dons on loan until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old, from Colombia, has scored eight goals this season while at Swindon, Notts County and Dagenham and comes in as a replacement for Lee Holmes.

A good sign for United is that Montano scored on his debut for all three clubs.

Leven’s return will add cutting edge going forward, although U’s boss Chris Wilder admitted with the Scot still needing an ope-ration on his shoulder, it will be a gamble.

He said: “Of course it’s a risk, but Pete’s responded very well to treatment – he’s getting on with it and managing it.

“It’s fantastic because he’s a quality player in the league and has been different class.

“To get him back on the pitch would be great for myself, the players and everybody connected with the club.”

With James Constable serving the final game of his ban, the U’s are likely to play a front three with Scott Rendell flanked by Dean Morgan, who will be making his home debut, and either Montano or Oli Johnson.

Andy Whing is likely to deputise at right back for the suspended Damian Batt, with Leven coming into midfield.

Mark Wilson is available after shaking off an ankle injury, but it is still too soon for Simon Heslop (heel) and Jon-Paul Pittman (hamstring).

Making the most of the six remaining home games is a priority for Wilder as the club attempt to consolidate their position in the npower League Two play-off places.

It is also a massive game for Rotherham, 1-0 winners in the reverse fixture on the opening day of the season, but the visitors know a defeat would leave their promotion hopes hanging by a thread.

Millers boss Andy Scott, who scored the final goal for the U’s at the Manor Ground, is under no illusions.

He said: “You talk about must-win games; this is probably the ultimate one.

“If we beat Oxford then we’re right on their coat-tails and if we draw or lose then we are chasing again.”

Oxford Utd: from Clarke, Whing, Duberry, Wright, Tonkin, Hall, Leven, Chapman, Johnson, Rendell, Morgan, Montano, Davis, Wilson, McLaren, Worley, Marsh, Brown, Capaldi.

Rotherham Utd: from Taylor, Mullins, Raynes, Harrison, Evans, Taylor, Bradley, Wood, Pringle, Revell, Grabban, Cresswell, Schofield, Warrington, Tonge, Cadogan, Hoskins.