LIAM Manning wants to see whoever he picks in his Oxford United starting line-up ‘step up and deliver’ after being impressed by Tyler Goodrham’s impact from the bench yesterday.
Goodrham replaced Josh Murphy at half-time during the 1-0 defeat at home to Bolton Wanderers, with U’s boss Manning pleased with what he saw from the teenager.
United’s head coach said: “What we need right now is people to step up and I think Tyler’s shown that.
“He’s been eager and champing at the bit to grab his opportunity.
“He’s a terrific kid and a terrific character, and he did himself the world of good in the second half.
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“Josh is disappointed in there, it comes down to quality and unfortunately he didn’t deliver that for us today.
“I’ve tried to be patient and give people opportunity, a few guys have had injuries and to come back and hit the ground running straight away is extremely difficult.
“I tried to be a little patient but we’re at that stage now where the team needs people that deliver and can be counted upon.
“It’s a fight now and a scrap that whoever’s in the team steps up and delivers.”
Manning selected Brandon Fleming to play on the left wing as he looked for a different option in the wide areas.
“The back four have been terrific in terms of defensively what they’ve done, which is why I’ve had the consistency with them,” said Manning.
“Brandon deserves the opportunity for how he’s impacted games but also kept his head down and worked.
“The one thing with Brandon that you know you’re going to get is an element of urgency, tenacity and aggressiveness.
“He did some good things and some bits quality-wise, he’ll know he can do better, but in terms of being able to look in the mirror and go ‘I gave it all’, Brandon can definitely tick that box.”
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About the author
To sign up to Liam’s latest Oxford United newsletter for free, click here: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/newsletters/
Formerly the politics reporter for the Oxford Mail, Liam now covers all things Oxford United.
Liam attends the U’s home and away, as well as covering other big sports stories across the county.
His Oxford United newsletter is released every Saturday morning at 6am.
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