GEORGE Baldock is backing Oxford United to go up this season – as champions.

The right back played his last game for the U’s in Saturday’s defeat against Blackburn Rovers in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round before returning to parent club MK Dons.

And after an emotional farewell which saw him receive a standing ovation when substituted four minutes from time, and then another when he did a lap of honour after the final whistle, Baldock admitted he is desperate for the club to have success.

“This club is only going in one direction,” he said.

“In the past I have been anxious and nervous ahead of games, but I’ve just been so excited in the build-up to this one.

“We have all known it was possible (I could be recalled) and I have known for a few weeks it was happening so it hasn’t come out the blue.

“But the result doesn’t take anything off the reception I got.

“I have matured as a player since I have been here and I know I have improved.

“Hopefully now I can go back to MK Dons and continue to produce.”

The full back joined the U’s in February and says the quality in the side assembled by head coach Michael Appleton is unrecognisable now from when he first walked in the door.

And he has no doubts they will be playing in League One next season.

“I came here and there were lots of boos and jeers, and often that was justified,” he said.

“But the manager has been given time and I think he has put together a team the fans can be proud of.

“I think the boys have got enough quality to win the league – they are in such a good position.

“And the fans – I’ll never forget them. They deserve promotion.”

When asked about his highlights at United, Baldock came up with an unsual reply.

“It will probably sound very strange, but it was actually the 0-0 draw with Portsmouth last season,” he said.

“It might seem a weird one, but I had a few silly little personal things going on and it was one of those games where everyone just really dug in and it seemed like a massive result at the time.

“I remember the bus on the way back after the game, and it was just electric.

“It was maybe a sign of what was to come.”

He added: “But aside from that it is difficult to look past the Swansea game this season.

“What a spectacle the game was. I think it really put Oxford back on the map.

“But I have enjoyed all my time here, it has just been an absolute pleasure to be part of this club.”