Oxford United fans excited by the return of Bobby Ford have been told: 'Don't expect too much too soon'.

Bobby FordManager Ian Atkins warned supporters not to get too carried away, because midfielder Ford, who has signed a one-year contract, is still some way from being fully fit.

"I think you could see that Bobby's still two to two-and-a-half weeks away from full match fitness," said Atkins, after the 27-year-old former Sheffield United player came on as a second-half substitute during Friday night's 3-3 draw with Southampton at The Kassam Stadium.

"Whether he plays in the first League match against Bury next Saturday, or is sub, supporters will have to accept that.

"But even if he's a substitute, you know you've got someone who can come on and turn the game."

There were many encouraging signs from the entertaining Bill Halsey Memorial Cup clash with their Premiership opponents, Saints winning 5-3 in a penalty shoot-out at the end.

Former Preston striker Steve Basham, playing as a triallist, made a second-half appearance, and if United could capture him, to go with the versatile David Oldfield and Ford, United fans might really start to believe that they have a squad capable of doing something this season.

There are still question marks over where the goals will come from - although against Southampton, Dean Whitehead was a revelation on the right side of midfield.

He made two goals with superb crosses, then hit a left-foot screamer for United's third.

Whitehead now has two big feathers in his cap, having also scored a brilliant goal against Chelsea.

Holding a nearly full-strength Southampton was beyond everyone's expectations, and Atkins believes it should boost confidence with the start of the third division campaign just days away.

Oldfield, who will help with coaching the youth team, has also signed a one-year deal.

He was less effective against Saints than in previous games, but United's manager feels he was mentally drained after his negotiations with the club, which had lasted much of the day.