Carlton Morris is confident Oxford United will show they are quick learners as they attempt to get off the mark in Sky Bet League Two at Morecambe tonight.

The U’s are one of six teams in the division yet to register a point from the opening two league games.

They were below par in a 2-1 defeat at Mansfield Town on Saturday, conceding a late goal after hauling themselves back into the game.

But Morris expects United to deliver a response at the Globe Arena tonight against the Shrimps, who top the table on goal difference.

The 18-year-old striker said: “We’re a fast-learning team, so we should be able to deal with it.

“Morecambe have won their first two games, so it will be a test, but it’s a game I think we will do well in.”

United are adapting to head coach Michael Appleton’s patient, passing style, but were unable to find a rhythm against a physical, direct Mansfield.

The setback will not prompt a change in approach according to Mickey Lewis, who expects Morecambe to provide a different test this evening.

The assistant head coach said: “Morecambe always try and play, to be fair, so hopefully it will make for a good, open game.

“The manager wants us to play in a certain way and has the backing of everybody.

“Everyone’s enjoying it and I’m sure the results will come, we won’t change from the way we want to play.”

While United are not reading too much into two defeats, Lewis admitted it was important to come back from Lancashire with something to show for their efforts.

He said: “You don’t want to go another game without any points on the board.

“No-one is overly concerned, we’re happy with where the club is going.

“But yes, we need some points and the quicker we can get them the better.”

United had no fresh injury concerns as they headed north for a training session at Preston North End yesterday, so are likely to name the same squad as Saturday.

Striker Danny Hylton is pushing for a start after scoring as a substitute in the last two games, while Josh Ruffels could come back into the side after recovering from a dead leg.

Morecambe’s only injury is to Ryan Edwards, who is ruled out after fracturing a finger in six places.

Left back Laurence Wilson is a doubt after missing Saturday’s 3-2 comeback win over Newport County following a family bereavement.

TONIGHT'S SQUADS

Morecambe: from Roche, Beeley, Hughes, Parrish, Goodall, Kenyon, Williams, Fleming, Ellison, Redshaw, Amond, Mullin, Sampson, Drummond, Wright, Devitt, Doyle, Arestidou.

Oxford Utd: from G Long, Hunt, Mullins, Wright, Newey, Collins, Meades, Riley, Potter, Brown, Morris, Hylton, Jakubiak, O’Dowda, Rose, Ruffels, Raynes, S Long, Crocombe.

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