Dean Whitehead's form in the last two games has been praised by Ian Atkins and given the Oxford United manager an FA Cup boost for this weekend.

Dean WhiteheadAtkins feels Whitehead's growing maturity means he can confidently throw the 20-year-old into Saturday's tricky FA Cup first-round tie at Dr Martens League Dover.

The U's were hoping midfield playmaker Bobby Ford would have recovered from a groin muscle injury in time for the weekend, but Whitehead's displays against Aston Villa and Rochdale mean Atkins feels under less pressure to rush Ford back.

"Bobby might be OK for Saturday, but he's 99 per cent certain for Kidderminster the following week," said the Oxford manager.

"Deano's coming on well. He's been a bit unlucky not to have played more, but he began in the wide right position and then we started playing more with wingbacks.

"Deano's good performances on the right this season are why I let Sam Stockley go.

"He's grown up as a person. Last year when it got a bit tough and someone kicked him, he would sometimes disappear in games, but he's mentally stronger this year, as is Chrissy Hackett.

"Bobby might be able to play on Saturday, but with Deano playing well, we don't feel we have to rush him."

Atkins has been careful not to fall into the trap of pushing players too hard too soon when they have had groin and hamstring injuries, something which has happened at the club under previous managers.

The completion of Stockley's on-off-on transfer to Colchester last weekend suggested that Oxford might be short on cover at right back if they switch to a four-man defence.

But Atkins says that's not the case.

"Roy Hunter can play there, he's a diamond because he can play almost anywhere, and Dave Waterman can play at right back too. He's played there many times."

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