JOEY Beauchamp has staked a strong claim for inclusion in Oxford United's starting line-up against Brentford at the Manor Ground today, but may have to do with a place on the bench.

The U's winger, who missed training on Thursday because of his recurring back and hamstring problem, had a meeting with manager Denis Smith yesterday and declared his determination to get his place back.

"Joey has been in to see me. He's a lot better than he expected," Smith said.

Beauchamp said: "I've been in to see the manager. Of course I want to be playing, but it's not that I'm frustrated. I haven't been right with my injury, but it feels better than it has done."

Although Beauchamp looks set to play some part in the Division 2 game, when United will be looking to post their first league points of the season, centre half Ian McGuckin is out with the back injury he collected in the 3-0 defeat at Port Vale. Chris Hackett has been added to the squad and Smith is eager to see how his pace may trouble opponents.

Smith said: "It will be a totally different game to Wolves, who pass it more than Brentford do.

"We'll be looking to keep a clean sheet. If we can keep a clean sheet I'm sure we'll create chances at the other end."

Defender Lee Jarman stressed the importance of getting some Division 2 points on the board.

"It was a good win at Wolves but realistically we're not going to win the competition. Our bread and butter's the league and it would be nice to get three points on Saturday."