OXFORD United boss Ian Atkins has given his backing to under-fire right wingback Sam Stockley - and is convinced the fans will see a different player when his personal life becomes easier.

Atkins had suggested Stockley's place could be under threat when the U's visit Division 3 leaders Plymouth Argyle today, but United's director of football has now hinted that he may stick with Stockley to get him through a difficult patch.

The former Barnet player, who was named in the Division 3 representative side last season, has been made the scapegoat by the fans, especially in home games at The Kassam Stadium, because the quality of his crosses has not matched his runs.

But Atkins believes there is much more to come from the 24-year-old Devonian.

"Sam Stockley has been getting a lot of stick from fans, but it's a bit difficult for him at the moment because he's travelling up and down the motorway from Southampton," Atkins said.

"He's moving into his new house on Wednesday, and I think you'll then see Sam in a new light.

"Sam needs encouragement at the moment. I've got plenty of time for him because he never lets his head drop, he's got a lot of enthusiasm.

"I know he's got a lot more quality to offer than he's showing at present, but while he's showing the endeavour that he does, you can't complain about that."

Jon Richardson was fit to travel with the squad, but Atkins still seems likely to play the defence and midfield which performed effectively at Rochdale a week ago.

And that would mean a place on the bench for winger Chris Hackett, who would come on if Atkins chooses to switch to 4-4-2 during the match.

"Plymouth aren't top for nothing," Atkins said. "They will get promotion whether we win, draw or lose today.

"But the pleasing thing for me is that we have been very bright in training again, which is something we weren't on Monday.

"All the expectancy will be on Plymouth, but I'm not just looking at us defending and then breaking. If we can get in behind them, we can cause problems."

There has been some flu in the Plymouth camp with boss Paul Sturrock, his son Blair, who is a striker, and assistant manager Kevin Sumerfield all ordered to stay away from the club.

Plymouth Arg: (probable) Larrieu, Worrell, Wotton, Coughlan, Beswetherick, Phillips, Adams, Friio, Hodges, Stonebridge. Subs from: Adamson, Taylor, Evers, Heaney, Evans, Sturrock.

Oxford Utd: (probable) Woodman, Stockley, Crosby, Morley, Bound, Powell, Savage, Whitehead, Quinn, Moody, Scott. Subs from: Thomas, Hackett, Ricketts, Gray, Omoyinmi, Richardson, Guyett, Knight.