Oxford United's former Swansea hero Martin Thomas is itching to run out at his old club tomorrow - to prove they should never have let him go.

The 27-year-old midfielder is the U's new captain, for the time being at least, after joining in the summer on a free transfer from Brighton.

Martin Thomas wants to put one over his old club tomorrow He was a fans' favourite at Swansea where he won a third division championship medal but he didn't get the new deal he was looking for. He asked for a move when he was in and out of the team, eventually joining Brighton for the last few weeks of the season.

"I can't wait to go back to Swansea," Thomas said after training yesterday. "I had three good years there and I know nearly all of their players.

"Swansea started the season well by winning 3-1 at Macclesfield, but although we lost to Rochdale, I don't think it's all doom and gloom.

"That result was a bit of a reality check for us. With a new stadium, new manager and new players everyone was getting very excited, but that game showed it's not going to be a walk in the park. It demonstrated that we've got to dig that bit deeper to get a result.

"But so long as you're solid and organised, you can do well in this division."

The difference manager Mark Wright has made, and the fierce determination within the United camp, was evident from the way so many players stayed behind for extra work after training at Horspath yesterday.

There was also a keenness to the training session that was in contrast to six months earlier.

What the team needs is a confidence boost that comes from winning matches.

The U's team is expected to show at least one change with Joey Beauchamp probably coming in on the left side of midfield in place of Paul Powell.

That may mean Sam Stockley, who got forward well against Rochdale, dropping slightly deeper on the opposite flank.

Swansea are likely to be unchanged after their 3-1 victory at Macclesfield on the opening day when French centre forward Mamadi Sidibe scored on his debut.

*United are to continue Nigerian defender James Okoli's trial to a second week. The former Motherwell player, who impressed in the midweek win at Oxford City, has looked classy during training.

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