Oxford United manager Macolm Shotton is in buoyant mood as his side prepared for their latest friendly against Mansfield Town at Field Mill tonight.

"The team spirit is very good and I am delighted with that," he said.

"They have worked their tails off and the attitude has been magnificent - first class. Everything has been done with smiles on their facesM-&.

"I have never known lads to work so hard and enjoy it so well and that is pleasing from my point of view."

Defenders Steve Davis and Simon Marsh face fitness checks before the match against their third division opposition.

Davis (calf) and Marsh (hamstring) missed Saturday's goalless draw at Exeter, but manager Malcolm Shotton said they were only slight muscle strains and didn't rule them out of facing their third division opponents.

"Hopefully Simon Marsh might not be too bad, and Steve Davis is getting better all the time," he said.

Shotton was also pleased to report that striker Kevin Francis (cartilage) and central defender Phil Gilchrist (knee) had returned to training.

Wing back Christophe Remy (calf) also missed United's south-west tour, but he is also due to resume training this week.

Shotton has been satisifed with the way pre-season has gone so far. He said. "The main thing from my point of view is getting the team right for August 8."

Oxford Utd: from Whitehead, Jackson, Robinson, Powell, Gray, Wright, Wilsterman, Whelan, Rose, Windass, Banger, Murphy, Hill, Beauchamp, Thomson, Gray, Weatherstone, Folland, Cook, Smith, Davis, Marsh. MARTIN Aldridge, released by Oxford United at the end of last season, has been training with Notts County.

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