MARCUS McGuane is looking forward to a strong midfield battle against a former Oxford United teammate when the U’s make the trip to Barnsley tomorrow afternoon.

In the Tykes midfield is set to be ex-United loanee Herbie Kane, who made a big impression with the club during the 2021/22 season.

Kane played 37 times while on loan from Barnsley, at the time in Sky Bet Championship.

Alongside Luca Connell and Adam Phillips in midfield, the 24-year-old helped the Tykes reach the League One play-off final last season.

Phillips was sent off in that game and has only just returned from suspension, while Connell has been struggling with illness, however Kane has kept his place this campaign, alongside Jon Russell and Callum Styles.

READ ALSO: Oxford United boss says Josh Murphy remains in matchday squad plans

On coming up against the Barnsley midfield at Oakwell, McGuane said: “I’m looking forward to it. It’s another big game and I just want to get out there and play.

“The midfield battle will be good. It’s good to put yourself up against good players so all of us are looking forward to it.

“We know Barnsley are a good team, but for us, we just focus on ourselves.

“We’ll go through their strengths and weaknesses, and from there, pull up a game plan and exploit that.”

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The U’s make the trip to South Yorkshire with their tails up, having beaten Derby County 2-1 on their own turf in midweek.

McGuane said: “Different games require different styles and different ways the manager wants us to play.

“That game complimented the midfield three we had in there with me, Bodes [Billy Bodin] and Cam [Cameron Brannagan].

“We managed to dominate that midfield battle and it gives us confidence.

“There’s a lot of competition in the midfield and all over. I think it’s really good and what we need.

“You see all the teams that get promoted and all the teams doing well in world football, and there’s competition all over the pitch.

“That’s something the gaffer has tried to bring in. He’s explained to everyone that’s what he wants and I think that’s going to get the best performances out of players.”

Reflecting on United’s start to the season, McGuane said: “The first two games weren’t great, but you could see we needed a little bit of time just to gel.

“We’re still learning new things and constantly on the training pitch with the gaffer.

“It came to fruition in the last game so hopefully we can carry that on.

“We would all love to have a perfect game and play well, and get the three points.

“The three points is the main thing but when we play well, it’s good for everyone.”

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