LIAM Manning is excited by the potential in his youthful Oxford United side after they claimed a 3-1 win at Barnsley.

The result lifted the U’s to fourth in Sky Bet League One, level on nine points with league leaders Cambridge United.

United head coach Manning praised his young guns after the victory at Oakwell, and said there is still more to come from them as the season develops.

He said: “When you look at the changes we made in the second half, we made ourselves a lot younger.

“When you’re taking off Billy Bodin and bringing on Tyler [Goodrham] at 20, you take off Mark Harris and bring on Gats [O’Donkor] at 18. Steph [Negru] at 21, Stan Mills at 19, Fin Stevens is 20.

“It’s a young group of players and that’s probably the exciting bit for me.

“If they keep their heads down and keep working, there’s a lot of improvement still to come.”

Manning added: “The balance is good and we know we still need to add a couple.

“You forget Elliott [Moore] is coming into his peak years and Cam [Brannagan] as well.

“The players around the young ones aren’t old either. What we’ve got is a strong culture and the players understand what we’re looking for.”

Everton loanee Mills, making his full professional league debut, ensured the U’s had a two-goal advantage when his cross deflected in off Jordan Williams.

Manning said: “What he’s consistently shown is moments that can change games, and a real self-belief and confidence to carry the ball or contribute in attacking areas.

“He did outstanding for the second goal. I’m delighted for him.”

On the overall display, Manning said: “It was a terrific performance. There were some challenges first half in the set-up out of possession, where they caused us a few problems but once we adjusted, credit to the lads because they problem-solved quite well.

“I thought we then shifted the momentum back in our favour by passing the ball with a bit of quality.

“Obviously going in ahead at half-time is a big thing in terms of being able to refocus, reset and get the group together, and make a clear plan for the second half.

“Out of possession, I thought we showed a real togetherness and compactness, and defended really well.

“In possession, I thought we carried a threat throughout the whole game. Me being critical, I thought we missed a few too many chances.”