LIAM Manning says Josh McEachran will still have an important role to play for Oxford United this season, after being displaced by Marcus McGuane.
Summer signing McEachran started the first two league games of the season, but has been on the bench for the last three matches in Sky Bet League One.
In his place alongside Cameron Brannagan in midfield has been McGuane, who has excelled with a trio of standout performances.
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Speaking after yesterday’s 2-1 win against Charlton Athletic, U’s head coach Manning said: “When we came in at the end of last season, Marcus was terrific.
“He was disappointed not to play at Cambridge and what he’s done is exactly what everyone in the squad needs to do – respond in the right way and get your head down and work, and at the same point be honest and open with yourself as to what you’ve got to do.
“He’s on form at the minute and doing extremely well, and I know what we’ve got behind that in Josh McEachran’s quality.
“I feel for Josh a little bit because he’s not come out the team for doing anything wrong.
“Cam and Marcus have clicked a little bit, and what I do know is that Josh is going to be really important for us and he needs to be ready.”
Manning also confirmed that Sam Long’s absence was precautionary after the defender picked up a minor hamstring complaint.
With Long unavailable, Brentford loanee Fin Stevens came into the side for his first league start in a United shirt.
Manning said: “Fin’s level in training is outstanding every day. He does extras and he’s all in with what we’re trying to do, which speaks volumes of him as a person.
“Against probably one of the most physical wingers in the league, I thought he did an outstanding job on him. I was really pleased with Fin’s performance.”
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