OXFORD United's latest recruit, Darren Patterson, has an extra incentive to get off to a winning start for his new club when he makes his debut against Bury at Gigg Lane today.

Patterson, signed from York City on a free transfer on Wednesday and installed as United's skipper in place of Jon Richardson, is an old mate of Bury boss Andy Preece.

"I know him well," said Patterson. "I played with him at Palace and I know he's done quite a good job at Bury because he's had a shoestring budget.

"I'd love to put one over him, but it's going to be a very difficult game for us and we've got to be up for it.

"But I'm really looking forward to the game and can't wait to get started."

Patterson is expected to replace teenager Dean Whitehead, who will drop to the bench.

Patterson should line up at right back, with Jon Richardson moving to centre back to partner on-loan Garry Monk.

Robert Quinn, who played alongside Monk last week, will move to his preferred position of central midfield alongside Matt Murphy.

United remain rooted to the foot of the table, ten points adrift of second-bottom Luton and a massive 13 points from safety.

Bury have a minor injury crisis, with the biggest doubt over keeper Paddy Kenny, who injured his finger in training this week and is rated 50-50.

If he fails to recover, it will mean a league debut for Glyn Garner between the sticks.

Definitely out for the Shakers though are Nicky Daws and Adrian Littlejohn (both suspended), Danny Swailes (ankle), and long-term victims Matt Barrass and Lee Unsworth. Darren Bullock and Chris Swailes aren't fit enough to start, but might make the bench.

If Oxford beat Bury, it will be their first league double for exactly three years.