OXFORD United's players are determined to put Sunderland out of their minds as they embark on two vital home games in the next four days which will say much about their prospects of staying in Division 1.

The U's hope to erase the memory of the club record 7-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light by beating fellow strugglers QPR at the Manor Ground tomorrow, and following that up with some reward against West Brom on Tuesday.

Manager Malcolm Shotton said: "Mentally, the players took a hammering at Sunderland and so did Mark Harrison and myself. It's taken all the week to get it out of our system but the proof of the pudding for the players will be on Saturday.

"I'd like to make changes, but I've not got much choice because most of the injured ones are not going to be ready."

Steve Davis saw a specialist yesterday to work out whether his Achilles problems are back-related, but Matt Murphy could be back to partner Dean Windass up front.

Murphy has missed three games with a hamstring injury.

Keeper Phil Whitehead insisted: "We've got to forget last Saturday and the way training's gone this week, I think we can.

"Sunderland was a total embarrassment but once the whistle's blown for full-time, you can't do anything about it. "We've now got two big home games coming up and we're looking for six points. I don't think there'll be any lasting psychological damage from Sunderland. We've had a few practice games this week and there doesn't seem any sign of that.

"The gaffer said on Monday 'you've lost three points, not seven points, not ten points'. Fair enough, we got a spanking, but if we can get six points from these next two games it will soon be forgotten.

"We desperately need to beat QPR. We also need everyone on our side, and all the fans to get behind us."

QPR collected their first league win since March 4 by beating Stockport 2-0 last Saturday but their record under Ray Harford is still dismal: five wins in 44 games.

However, the victory over Stockport has lifted confidence.

Vinnie Jones has served out his three-match ban after getting sent off in a reserve game, but he will probably only play if Harford comes to the Manor Ground looking for a point. If Harford sticks with central midfielders Paul Murray and Gavin Peacock, then he's probably trying for a win.

George Kulscar pulled a hamstring against Stockport and looks like missing out, while Chris Kiwomya is likely to be on the bench, along with Mike Sheron and Iain Dowie.

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