RYAN Ledson knows there will be an extra bite to tomorrow’s midfield battle but Oxford United must keep their heads in the derby clash with Swindon Town.

The 19-year-old made his debut against the Robins in September, helping the U’s to a sixth successive victory over their bitter rivals.

Ledson has shown his combative nature in the centre of midfield on a number of occasions and will not be holding back at the County Ground tomorrow.

But the former Everton youngster knows it will be important to stay on the right side of referee Darren Deadman.

He said: “Maybe being away, you have to be wary, but I’m never going to pull out of a tackle if it’s there to be won.

“It makes you a little bit more determined, maybe put a little bit more in against Swindon, but I know where the line is.”

Ledson added: “I love these games, the first 20 minutes will be so quick.

“There will be tackles flying in, there will be second balls to be won and it’s up to the lads to get on top of that and when we can play, we get the ball down and try and pass and play our normal game.

“I’ve seen the rivalry, it’s really big, and it’s one I’m really looking forward to.”

Swindon had both Lloyd Jones and goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux sent off at the Kassam Stadium in September.

Ledson believes it will be vital for United to channel their emotions once again.

He said: “The big thing in that game was the discipline.

“We kept ours and they lost their heads.

“They got Lloyd Jones sent off and the keeper was going off on one and to keep our composure is something we really need to think of.”

New signing Conor McAleny will be named on the bench.

Joe Skarz and Charlie Raglan return after being suspended and cup-tied respectively for the Checkatrade Trophy.

Jonathan Obika is ruled out (hamstring) for Swindon.

But Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill could return after being out with an ankle injury since December.

Nicky Ajose and Rohan Ince are likely to start after signing on deadline day.

TOMORROW’S SQUADS

Swindon Tn: Vigouroux, Thompson, Rossi Branco, Jones, Brophy, Ince, Kasim, Colkett, Gladwin, Norris, Ajose, Henry, Conroy, Thomas, Rodgers, Goddard, Ormonde-Ottewill.

Oxford Utd: Eastwood, Edwards, Dunkley, Nelson, Skarz, Maguire, Lundstram, Ledson, Johnson, Hall, Hemmings, McAleny, Martinez, Rothwell, Ruffels, Raglan, Carroll, Stevens.