Chris Wilder has issued a stark warning to his Oxford United players ahead of tonight’s Blue Square Premier game – don’t underestimate Kettering.

Although Mark Cooper’s play-off chasers were in action only 48 hours ago, Wilder does not expect the Poppies to be an easy proposition.

Wilder watched Kettering beat Lewes 1-0 on Tuesday to draw level on points with United, but having played four games fewer.

And as they have conceded just 26 goals in 33 games, the U’s boss knows his side mustbe at their best if they are to get anything out of the game.

“Kettering have Guy Bran-ston, their skipper, missing through suspension, and he is a big player,” Wilder said.

“But they have one of the best defensive records in the league, and (Jean-Paul) Marna and (Gareth) Seddon, are decent up front as well.

“We have got to be aware of their long throws, which are a good weapon.

“I saw some comments in the paper that Kettering raise their game against the big sides, like Oxford, and it’s nice to be mentioned as one of those sides.

“If we win, we move that on to Rushden, so the next two away games are critical.”

Wilder, who welcomes back Craig Nelthorpe after a three-match suspension, added: “I am delighted where we are at the moment.

“We are setting high standards.”

Goalkeeper Billy Turley (shoulder) and captain Adam Murray (ankle) will play despite long-standing injuries.

Wilder said: “Billy has not trained fully this week, but he should be alright.”

Nelthorpe is raring to go after his ban.

The former Doncaster Rovers winger said: “It’s been really tough not playing.

“But I’ve kept myself fit and it’s good to be back.

“Kettering are on a good run and so are we, so hopefully it should be a good game.

“If we do what we are good at and get the ball out wide, then hopefully we will come out on top.

“We want to get in those play-offs.”

Kettering Tn: Harper, Bennett, Dempster, Geohaghon, L Potter, A Potter, Bouchard, Solkhon, Westcarr, Seddon, Marna, Wrack, Lorougnon, C Beardsley, Graham, Whatsize.

Oxford Utd: Turley, Batt, Willmott, Foster, Sandwith, Odubade, Chapman, Clist, Haldane, Murray, Constable, Farrell, Carruthers, Nelthorpe, Hinchliffe, Day, Hutchinson.

Meanwhile,defender Shane Killock could soon be back in action after recovering from the hamstring injury that has seen him sidelined since the end of January. The 19-year-old centre back is likely to make his return in Wednesday’s Oxfordshire Senior Cup semi-final tie against North Leigh at Court Place Farm. U’s youngster Sam Deering, who broke a leg against Salisbury at Christmas, and Barry Quinn (ankle operation) are back in training.