JAKE Wright has praised the form of Michael Raynes during the Oxford United captain’s injury lay-off.

Raynes did not feature in the opening six weeks of the season, before getting a run in the side with Wright on the sidelines.

The skipper returned to fitness last Saturday, but the U’s opted to field a back three for the 2-0 win against Northampton.

It accommodated Raynes, Wright and Johnny Mullins, but gives U’s boss Chris Wilder a selection headache if they return to a back four at Accrington Stanley tomorrow.

Wright has been very impressed with Raynes, who he believes could not have been dropped last weekend.

He said: “I was gutted when I got the injury, but Raynesey has come in and been different class.

“Credit to him, the gaffer couldn’t take him out because he’s been so good.

“I think he had literally made it impossible for the gaffer.”

Wright thought Raynes had provided a perfect example for everyone in the squad trying to get into the starting line-up.

He said: “That's what you’ve got to do, because he had been frustrated that he hadn't played any games.

“He was fantastic all pre-season and we signed Mulls, who has come in and done really well.

“So Raynesey has just been waiting for his chance, but he's kept himself fit and he deserved to keep his shirt.”