Manager Chris Wilder believes Anthony Tonkin’s experience could be vital during the high-pressure second half of the season as Oxford United bid to clinch automatic promotion.

The former Yeovil, Stockport and Crewe left back will be 30 later this month and he has already got more than 350 first-team games under his belt in the Football League and Conference.

The U’s used Steve Kinniburgh for much of the first half of the season, and although he was cool and excellent on the ball, especially for his age, he was slightly naive in some situations, which contributed to his two red cards while on loan to United from Rangers.

With Tonkin on one side and Damian Batt in the other full back position, Oxford will have no lack of experience on the defensive flanks.

Said Wilder: “We needed someone with experience.

“I feel in the second half of the season there are going to be a lot of pressure situations and he’s been doing that throughout his career.

“He drives the game forward from the left back position, gets on the ball and uses it well to drive forward.

“He adds vital competition.”

That last comment appears to not rule out Kevin Sandwith from featuring at times, but former Weymouth skipper Sandwith can also cover as a left-sided centre back, giving Wilder plenty of options at the back.