OXFORD United boss Chris Wilder has no doubts about the magnitude of the challenge facing his young team against table-topping Port Vale tomorrow.

“It’s by far and away our biggest test of the season,” he said.

Vale were always fancied to do well in League Two this campaign after losing only one of their last eight games last season.

And they have stormed into a four-point lead at the top of the table, winning seven of their nine matches and conceding just four goals in that time.

“I’m not surprised they’re up there,” Wilder said. “They’ve got some very good players, with pace and ability.

“I know the manager (Micky Adams) on a personal as well as professional basis, and have a lot of admiration for him.

“Knowing the manager they’ve got, I always thought they’d be up there.”

With Mark Creighton’s toe injury confirmed as a fracture and dislocation – though it was soon put back into place – “The Beast” will be sidelined for up to two weeks.

And that means the U’s will again have their young centre back duo of Harry Worley, 21, and Leigh Franks, 19, in tandem.

They will be up against one of the division’s most potent strike forces in Justin Richards and Marc Richards, who have struck seven and five goals respectively, through ex-U’s striker Justin has not scored for four matches.

But Wilder says he has faith in his players, and with the backing United’s supporters give them every match, the manager believes they will push the leaders hard.

“It’s going to be a big ask for Harry and Leigh because their front two are decent, but I think they’re up to it,” he said.

“Saturday is a real good game for us,” he added.

“We know what it’s like to be league leaders and the pressure that comes with it, but we have got a lot of enthusiasm and energy, and a fantastic support behind us.

“I feel for Mark Creighton because he’s fractured and dislocated his toe, so he’ll be out for a couple of weeks.

“But, fingers crossed, Jake Wright will be back in ten days’ time.”

United will also have the boost of skipper James Constable returning tomorrow, following a one-match ban.