MARCUS McGuane knows he could have a big fortnight ahead of him as spaces open up in Oxford United’s midfield.

Herbie Kane’s three-match ban for his red card at Lincoln City last Saturday means Karl Robinson will be forced into at least one change at Wycombe Wanderers tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the U’s are due to make a late decision on Cameron Brannagan’s hamstring injury, which saw McGuane come off the bench before the break at Sincil Bank.

The 22-year-old was one of United’s better players in an improved second half at Lincoln and he hopes they can build on that at Adams Park.

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“All I can do is keep my head down and show what I can do any time I get an opportunity,” McGuane said.

“Playing back where I was excelling last season was one of the main things for me.

“The main thing is the team and we didn’t pick up the result we wanted, but there are some positives to take out of the game.

“It was also a bit of a reality check to not get too ahead of ourselves and stay as a team, work hard and try to get the result on the weekend.”

Injuries, illness and the form of his teammates has limited McGuane to just four Sky Bet League One starts this season.

One of those was in a holding midfield role against Wigan Athletic last month, when United were down to the bare bones.

It is not a completely unfamiliar position for the summer signing and he would happily fill in there again.

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McGuane said: “When I was younger at Arsenal I played there quite a bit.

“It’s a role I’m getting used to again, I want to be on the pitch and playing – that’s the main thing.

“I have my preferred positions but that’s football, I’ve just got to do whatever the gaffer wants me to do.

“It took me a little bit of time because it was at the last second, but I thought the Wigan game was quite enjoyable from a fan perspective and I didn’t mind it too much.

“As long as there aren’t too many long balls I think I’ll be alright.”

Kane’s return next month will increase competition in McGuane’s position, but the midfielder focused on the bigger picture.

He said: “He’s a calming influence, he likes to play so he helps the team.

“It’s going to be a shame not to have him, but before we know it we’ll have him back.”